Protect privacy: Tell the House to strengthen and pass The Driver Privacy Act

Collage depicting surveillance, with a photo of traffic, a blue shape, and an automated license plate reader.
Collage depicting surveillance, with a photo of traffic, a blue shape, and an automated license plate reader.

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The message:

We should all be alarmed by the ability of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to watch and collect data on all of us as we go about our daily routines. What’s worse – Washington currently has no laws governing how public agencies, including law enforcement, use ALPRs. This means agencies can collect ALPR data on all of us and search that data for any reason, keep the data for an indefinite amount of time, and share it with out-of-state and federal agencies. Washington data has already been accessed by law enforcement in Texas in an abortion investigation, and by ICE and Border Patrol.

The recipient:

Your state Representative

The impact:

Thanks to advocates like you, last week, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee voted to advance the Driver Privacy Act (ESSB 6002) out of committee. Now, the full House has a chance to make it stronger before passing it.

This legislation is aimed at regulating automated license plate readers (ALPRs) – cameras that collect data on all of us as we drive and go about our daily routines, enabling the government to keep track of where people drive and when — all without their consent. The bad news: critical protections are still missing from the bill, putting our privacy rights at risk.

In its current form, the Driver Privacy Act (ESSB 6002), does not go far enough in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities, like immigrants and those seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, and the bill must be strengthened to regulate government use of ALPRs and prevent risks to people’s privacy.

The House needs to hear from you about the importance of making this bill stronger and protecting our safety.

People deserve to drive around their communities without their daily routines being tracked and surveilled by the government. Urge your Representative to improve and pass a strong Driver Privacy Act.