From ALPR cameras mounted on garbage trucks to IMSI catchers such as Dirtboxes and Stingrays, local authorities have increased exponentially the amount of electronic surveillance, with little regard for the basic principles of privacy.
In 1972, the US Supreme Court ruled that an individual's right to privacy could only be breached by a court order, not at the discretion of law enforcement agencies. The majority in the case wrote: "The Fourth Amendment contemplates a prior judicial judgment, not the risk that executive discretion may be reasonably exercised."
A lot has happened in the 40-plus years since that decision.
Recently, in San Jose, CA, city leaders approved a study of a plan to place license-plate readers on garbage trucks. Since garbage trucks go around every street of the city at least once a week, the trucks can be used to locate parked vehicles in places where police cruisers usually don’t go. Garbage truck drivers wouldn’t see the information collected.
The ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) device would send its data directly to the police, who could then build a massive database of cars parked on the street. San Jose already has six ALPR systems mounted on police cars and has set aside $68,400 for more units next year.
FULL STORY: Cities Should Stop Electronic Warrantless Surveillance
Why a Failed ‘Smart City’ Is Still Relevant
A Google-backed proposal to turn an underused section of Toronto waterfront into a tech hub holds relevant lessons about privacy and data.
Study Assesses Attitudes on Traffic Cameras in Boston’s Black Communities
Residents are wary of the new technology’s potential for surveillance, but support boosting enforcement while reducing interaction with police.
Sweeps Aren’t Outreach: Policing Homelessness Still Doesn’t Work
A new study shines a light on the connection between homeless outreach teams and policing, and examines why so many cities still use resident complaints to guide their response to the homelessness crisis.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie