The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has unveiled plans to purchase access to a network of license plate readers, aiming for near real-time tracking across the United States. According to their Request for Proposals, the FBI will partner with vendors that can provide comprehensive coverage, enabling searches based on partial or full plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and more.

The initiative requires contractors to map camera locations and detail sources of information, such as red-light cameras or repossession vendors. The system must cover 75% of US locations and offer instant search results for law enforcement and commercial purposes. This move raises questions about privacy and the extent of government surveillance in everyday life.

The FBI’s Directorate of Intelligence is leading this effort to evaluate threats, but critics argue it could infringe on personal liberties. The agency states its intentions are for public safety; however, many fear a slippery slope towards broader surveillance.

As the details of these contracts come to light, citizens may find themselves wondering: when does monitoring become micromanagement?