Over the last several years, New Jersey has funneled taxpayer dollars into over 2,000 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)—commonly known as Flock cameras.
Every time a car passes one of these devices, its image is captured and logged into a central database, powered by artificial intelligence. The result? A dragnet surveillance apparatus capable of tracking every resident’s daily life. Where you shop, which doctors you consult, which gun stores you patronize, and who you visit are all monitored, cataloged, and analyzed.
The use of these cameras has already been exploited for such acts as domestic spying, stalking women, sharing sensitive data, and political manipulation. Combined with the vulnerability of centralized metadata to cybercrime, this program creates a severe privacy concern for every New Jerseyan.
The New Jersey Libertarian Party calls for the immediate removal of all Flock cameras throughout the state, the immediate termination of all current and future ALPR programs, and the erasure of all data collected by and generated from these systems. We call for every attempt to be made to return all monies used in conjunction with these programs back to the taxpayers of New Jersey.
Furthermore, we explicitly denounce every local, state, and federal official who enabled this surveillance network—including Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., who secured funding for Flock devices in Phillipsburg and Mount Arlington.
Privacy is an inherent human right. No citizen should be tracked, profiled, or targeted by their government. Until these devices are dismantled and their data destroyed, the State operates unconstitutionally against the people of New Jersey.
Libertarians advocate individual privacy and government transparency. We are committed to ending government’s practice of spying on everyone. We support the rights recognized by the Fourth Amendment to be secure in our persons, homes, property, and communications. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure should include records held by third parties, such as email, medical, and library records. - Libertarian Platform Plank 1.3 Privacy