Smile, Nevada. You’re on Flock camera.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EPISODE

NEVADA - Law enforcement agencies and local governments across Nevada are using automated license plate reader cameras to monitor vehicles traveling on public roads. Companies like Flock Safety market the technology as a tool to help solve crimes and make communities safer. But the cameras also create a searchable record of where you drive, when you drive, and potentially who you associate with regardless of your permission.

This week, Battle Born Bytes examines who has access to, and more importantly, can edit the information, and how long that data can remain available to law enforcement. The episode also explores the potential for surveillance technology to disproportionately affect communities already subject to greater levels of law enforcement scrutiny and looks into the safeguards—or lack thereof—that govern how automated systems can use this data.

The full episode is available on YouTube.

Daniel Howat, Creative Lead with Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“You may think you don't mind being watched because you have nothing to hide. But the real question isn't whether you're innocent. It's who gets to decide what ‘innocent’ looks like. What happens when we build a system capable of tracking millions of innocent people's movements and then trust that system to police itself. If we're going to create a surveillance network across Nevada, the public deserves to know exactly what is being collected, who can access it, how long it's kept, and what protections exist to prevent abuse.”

ABOUT Battle Born Bytes: Battle Born Bytes is a digital media series produced by Battle Born Progress focused on breaking down complex political, economic, and policy issues affecting Nevadans through accessible, research-driven video explainers. 

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.