License plate cameras can track your AirPods, smartwatch, and more, disturbing study finds
By Graig Graziosi,
Some license plate cameras equipped with special sensors can collect a lot more information about drivers than previously thought, according to a new report.
One product, defense contractor Leonardo's SignalTrace system — which produces sensors that can be fitted to existing license plate readers — can collect unique identifiers attached to phones, AirPods, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, according to 404Media.
That would potentially allow law enforcement the ability to not only collect a license plate and identify who the car is registered to, but also collect information identifying the driver and anyone else in the car carrying a phone or similar device.
SignalTrace also advertises that it can detect non-contact RFID devices, like air-pressure sensors, work badges, or even pet microchips.
"The data collected shows what group of devices are travelling together," according to Leonardo's website. "As part of investigations, algorithms can determine which specific mix of devices are predictably moving together. That specific mix of devices—linked by common time stamps and locations—are described as an electronic fingerprint and can aid in the identification of suspects or witnesses."
Sensors attached to license plate readers can now pull identifying information linking phones, Airpods, and even pet microchips to individual cars (Getty)
In other words, Leonardo collects the identifiers of devices, and a car's license plate and other identifying information, feeds them into an algorithm, and if multiple devices are traveling together, it will create a link between the owners of the devices and the vehicle.
All of that data is then stored at Leonardo's Enterprise Operations Center
