Home Depot and Lowe’s parking lot cameras are raising new privacy concerns
Home Depot and Lowe’s parking lot cameras are raising new privacy concerns
Publish Date: 2026-05-28 14:22:00
Source Domain: www.consumeraffairs.com
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Some Home Depot and Lowe’s stores are using cameras that scan and log license plates in parking lots.
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Retailers say the systems help fight theft, but privacy advocates worry shoppers may not realize their vehicle data could be stored or shared with police.
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Experts recommend watching for parking lot camera signs, reading store privacy policies, and limiting location tracking through store apps.
A growing number of shoppers are realizing that security cameras in retail parking lots are doing more than just recording video.
According to a recent report from Fox News, some Home Depot and Lowe’s locations in Connecticut are using automated license plate reader cameras, also known as ALPRs, to scan vehicles entering and leaving store parking lots.
Retailers say the systems help fight theft and improve safety, which are both needed right now. But privacy advocates worry shoppers may not fully realize their vehicle information could be stored, searched, or potentially shared with law enforcement.
Here’s what you should know along with some tips to better protect your privacy.
What exactly are license plate reader cameras?
Automated license plate readers use cameras and software to capture:
- Your license plate number
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle color
- Time and location data
These aren’t just your standard security cameras that only record video footage that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. These systems actually create a searchable record tied to the details of your vehicle.
The cameras mentioned in the report were linked to Flock Safety, a company that says its technology does not use facial recognition.
Still, privacy concerns remain because the systems can create a digital log showing when a vehicle visited a store.
Why stores are using them
Retail theft is definitely a big problem right now. This is especially the case at home improvement stores that sell expensive tools, power equipment, and gadgets.
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s say the cameras are used for:
- Theft…
