Law Enforcement in Texas Uses License Plate Readers to Enforce Abortion Laws

In Texas, recent abortion laws have prompted law enforcement agencies to increase their use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs). These devices, which automatically scan and record vehicle license plates, have been deployed in several states as part of efforts to locate a woman who had an abortion. The use of ALPRs in this context is part of broader enforcement of abortion-related regulations following changes in Texas law. Privacy advocates and civil liberties organizations have expressed concern about the expansion of surveillance technologies and their potential impact on individual privacy rights. The deployment of ALPRs for abortion law enforcement reflects a trend in which technology is increasingly used by authorities to monitor and track individuals in connection with legal investigations. The situation highlights ongoing debates about the balance between law enforcement objectives and the protection of civil liberties.