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Judge Rules AI License Plate Images Are Public Records

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Washington judge ruled that police images from Flock's AI license plate-scanning cameras are public records under the Washington State Public Records Act.
Judge Elizabeth Neidzwski said these taxpayer-funded images cannot be withheld.
The ruling followed a public records request by Jose Rodriguez aimed at highlighting potential misuse of the data.
Rodriguez will not receive the images because they were deleted after 30 days, prompting debate about mass surveillance and access.

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Story summary

Washington judge ruled that police images from Flock's AI license plate-scanning cameras are public records under the Washington State Public Records Act.
Judge Elizabeth Neidzwski said these taxpayer-funded images cannot be withheld.
The ruling followed a public records request by Jose Rodriguez aimed at highlighting potential misuse of the data.
Rodriguez will not receive the images because they were deleted after 30 days, prompting debate about mass surveillance and access.