Retailers say they use Flock cameras, ALPRs responsibly. Privacy groups aren’t buying it | Local
Retailers say they use Flock cameras, ALPRs responsibly. Privacy groups aren’t buying it | Local
Publish Date: 2026-06-12 04:00:00
Source Domain: www.springfieldnewssun.com
Some of the biggest retailers in the world say they are very careful in how they use, share and retain data they collect from automated license plate readers outside their stores. Businesses, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Target and Walmart, say they understand the importance of protecting people’s privacy, and they will only use ALPRs for safety and security and to prevent and detect crime at their properties.
But some community members and privacy rights groups say retailers have been quietly deploying ALPRs with no meaningful public notice or feedback. They say there is no guaranteed oversight of commercial use of this powerful technology, and they worry the data that businesses collect can be accessed by outside agencies and third parties for controversial purposes, like immigration enforcement.
“Companies need to be able to clearly show how they are using the data, how they are accessing it and what they are doing with the data to protect the rights of the public,” said Christina Méndez, executive director of the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “How do you use it for the protection of your business and your employees and your property while also protecting the essence of community?”
Privacy asks
The Dayton Daily News confirmed that Lowe’s stores across southwest Ohio have ALPRs, and some Home Depot stores have ALPRs nearby. Records of Flock shared networks obtained by this news outlet indicate that Lowe’s and Home Depot stores in the state provide at least some local police agencies with access to their stores’ ALPR databases.
Shareholders of Home Depot and Lowe’s last month considered and ultimately voted down separate proposals that called for the companies to issue new reports to try to evaluate potential data-sharing privacy risks, including from the use of ALPRs.
Casey Hudek, who spoke in favor…
