License plate cameras can track your AirPods, smartwatch, and more, disturbing study finds

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Independent

Tuesday 23 June 2026 18:41 EDT


Some license plate cameras equipped with special sensors can collect a lot more information about drivers than previously thought, according to a new report. One product, defense contractor Leonardo's SignalTrace system — which produces sensors that can be fitted to existing license plate readers — can collect unique identifiers attached to phones, AirPods, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, according to 404Media.

That would potentially allow law enforcement the ability to not only collect a license plate and identify who the car is registered to, but also collect information identifying the driver and anyone else in the car carrying a phone or similar device.

SignalTrace also advertises that it can detect non-contact RFID devices, like air-pressure sensors, work badges, or even pet microchips.

"The data collected shows what group of devices are travelling together," according to Leonardo's website. "As part of investigations, algorithms can determine which specific mix of devices are predictably moving together. That specific mix of devices—linked by common time stamps and locations—are described as an electronic fingerprint and can aid in the identification of suspects or witnesses."

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/license-plate-cameras-track-surveillance-b3001657.html

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Link to REPORT - This Company Will Add Phone, AirPod, and Smartwatch Trackers to License Plate Readers

[Lonestarblue]

1. We get closer to being a police state every day.

Without regulation of who can collect sensitive data, we will have no true freedom. It isn't just criminals they'll be looking for. I'm sure the pro-death anti-abortion cult will happily use these tools to track where every woman of child-bearing age goes.

[Vinca]

2. Another reason auto makers need to offer low tech alternative vehicles.

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. We have no privacy anymore. Everything about you

is already out there.

We need to go back to stashing our money under the mattress because bank accts aren't secure.
Medical records. Public knowledge. Cameras everywhere.

This makes me very uneasy.

[BobsYourUncle]

4. They've turned back the clock...

It’s 1984.

[QueerDuck]

5. Total Recall

[flvegan]

6. ...and sell the data for targeted advertising.

Not just for law enforcement. Gotta make sure you get ads for Chewy and Ozempic after hitting the DQ for a cone and a pup cup.

[thesquanderer]

7. this has been discussed here before...

That June 8 report from 404 Media has been discussed on DU at least twice previously...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221316522

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221323969

It's important info that has not been widely reported. Maybe this article from The Independent is the first time it's been reported in a major news outlet?

[BumRushDaShow]

11. It's probably because more and more municipalities are mass-deploying license plate readers

and red light cameras, and especially where the readers are replacing toll booths for those not using E-ZPass. So although it might have been reported on local media outlets, the national M$M has probably de-prioritized it in their tech articles in order to obsess over "AI". As it is, "The Independent" is a UK outlet, not a U.S. one.

[twodogsbarking]

8. It's for your protection.

[Blue Owl]

9. Another reason why billionaire government takeover is so dangerous

[moreland01]

10. My town council

just voted 6-1 to cancel our Flock camera contract effective immediately. A local group busted their butts to make this happen. If it didn't go their way, they were collecting signatures to put the issue on the ballot.