COVID-19 & Automatic Number Plate Recognition - More Mass Surveillance

On 7 May 2020 the QCCL wrote to the Commissioner of Police asking for comment in relation to reports that police are using ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition Technology) to charge people with breaching the Home Confinement Direction by travelling more than 50km from their home. To date we have not yet received a response, but we will update this release if and when we do.

“The QCCL has long opposed ANPR as a form of mass surveillance. We have no issue with a system that uses a blacklist to identify stolen or unregistered vehicles. But to go out collecting data in the hope of finding a crime and in doing so build a vast database of movements by innocent Queenslanders is entirely unacceptable,” said President Michael Cope.

“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis we have been concerned that an ANPR system will be used to extend existing forms of surveillance and introduce new ones, so that when we come out the other side of the pandemic, citizens will have less liberty. This cannot be allowed to happen,” said Mr Cope.

For further information contact Michael Cope President QCCL on 07 3223 5939 during office hours and at all times on 0432 847 154.