Hundreds of AI-powered cameras are scanning license plates on Oregon roads, recording where everyday drivers go and when. In January, the Oregon State Legislature can put a stop to it. Lawmakers should pass a statewide ban on automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, including the Flock Safety cameras that have spread across the state.

A community mapping project has found at least 576 Flock cameras and other plate readers in Oregon, and nobody knows the true total. These cameras capture the plates of ordinary people, not just people suspected of a crime. The ACLU of Oregon says lawmakers still haven't set clear limits on how much data gets collected or how long it is stored.

The risks are real. In Woodburn, an internal audit found that federal immigration agencies had accessed the city's camera data, and the city took its cameras down in June. According to The Washington Post, at least 50 officers have been charged with or accused of misusing Flock's system.

Oregon cities are already walking away. Eugene, Springfield, Bend, Talent and Winston have all ended their Flock contracts. A statewide ban would protect every driver, no matter which town they live in.

This isn't a left-or-right issue. Democratic Rep. Willy Chotzen of Portland and Republican Rep. Alek Skarlatos of Winston plan to introduce the ban together when the session opens. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden supports the effort. "Privacy and security are not mutually exclusive," Wyden said, according to the Salem Statesman Journal.

Oregon has a long history of leading on privacy. Lawmakers now have the chance to keep that promise for every person who drives its roads.

Sign the petition to tell the Oregon State Legislature to pass the statewide ban on AI license plate cameras before more data ends up in the wrong hands.