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January 1, Ford’s New Patent Sparks Big Brother Surveillance Fears
Ford Motor Company has filed a patent application that’s causing a stir among many Americans concerned about growing surveillance. The patent, “Systems and Methods for Detecting Speeding Violations,” envisions Ford vehicles acting as mobile speed detectives, potentially ratting out other drivers to the authorities.
The patent, initially filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in January 2023, was formally published on July 18, 2024.
While this system could transform traffic law enforcement, making roads safer, it opens a Pandora’s box of privacy issues and civil liberties concerns.
The technology uses advanced onboard cameras and sensors to monitor the speed of nearby vehicles. If it catches a car speeding, it snaps a high-resolution photo, records the speed, time, and location of the violation, and sends this data to law enforcement or monitoring stations through a secure internet connection.
Supporters argue that this technology could make traffic enforcement more efficient, reducing the need for dangerous high-speed chases and integrating smoothly with self-driving cars. However, the grave concerns around privacy turn this into, arguably, another step toward a Big Brother-style surveillance state. The lack of direct police observation raises legal questions, and the technology hasn’t solved the issue of verifying the driver’s identity, which might lead to innocent people getting fined.
Ford has attempted to calm the waters. A spokesperson mentioned, “The patent explicitly states this idea is specific for application in law enforcement vehicles, such as the Ford Police Interceptor.” However, critics highlight that the patent’s language could allow broader applications in the future.
The biggest headaches will likely be legal and public opinion. Can data collected without a police officer’s direct observation stand up in court? And how will Americans react to what they see as another invasion of their personal privacy?
Ford’s innovative but highly controversial patent raises crucial questions. Balancing road safety with personal privacy rights is essential. This debate will shape how such technologies are regulated and implemented in the future.
In the end, will this technology make our roads safer or just pave the way for more surveillance? The answer will define our future on the open road.
What do you think about this balance between new tech and privacy? Do the potential benefits overshadow the risks?
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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LT
September 9, 2024 at 7:11 pm
“There is tranquility also in dungeons”.
I forget which political philosopher wrote that, but it comes to mind every time someone tries to make the argument that the benefits outweigh the risks — or the freedoms surrendered. Where there is constant and pervasive surveillance, there is no “security”, just oppression. “common sense (fill in the blank) laws” will eventually be the death of true freedom. The Founding Fathers understood this – people should read their letters and publications from the time. It is trendy to say that the basic safeguards in the constitution are “outdated”, or that they could never have anticipated the world we live in. Human nature, however, really hasn’t changed. Power corrupts, and the power to surveil everyone, all day, 24/7/365 is a LOT of power.
Bud
September 9, 2024 at 7:33 pm
That’s it, I will never buy another Ford product again. Who wants to be next on my list?
james walston
September 9, 2024 at 8:11 pm
I think there is to much surveillance already, we as a people have lost a lot of freedom in the name of security, in my opinion the benefits don’t out way the negatives. as a 50 year police officer I don’t like to see cameras on ever street.
Karen Lyn Jenkins
September 9, 2024 at 8:52 pm
I do not want my car to surveil me. There’s enough without my car doing it.
Charles
September 9, 2024 at 8:56 pm
Ford should get with the program. Today I was continually passed by vehicles doing way over the speed limit. Such nonsense would inundate the DMV with more paper than they could handle in a life time.
BH
September 9, 2024 at 9:34 pm
AMEN to that. I will definitely not be buying any more Ford products for the rest of my life. I will also encourage my children and my children’s children to do the same. Ford can basically stick it.
Leslie Carmichael
September 9, 2024 at 9:48 pm
Was it Jean-Jacques Rousseau: “Tranquility is found also in dungeons; but is that enough to make them desirable places?” If Ford was concerned with responsible driving, they would not have cars that go up to 155 mph, which is the top speed for the new Mustang.
I agree with you. I have to wait for a green left arrow to turn into my neighborhood from the main route at a T intersection. I can see the road in front of me for about a mile. At night, alone, with no other cars, I don’t waste time and gas. If no one is coming, I take the left as do many others. If they put in cameras, it is not for safety; it is to make money off of tickets not to protect anyone.
Dwayne Oxford
September 10, 2024 at 4:44 am
Ford, one bad idea after the other. I’ll never buy another.
Skeptical
September 10, 2024 at 5:59 am
The technology uses advanced onboard cameras and sensors to monitor the speed of nearby vehicles. If it catches a car speeding, it snaps a high-resolution photo, records the speed, time, and location of the violation, and sends this data to law enforcement or monitoring stations through a secure internet connection.””
OPRESS ME HARDER DADDY!
Is there a Ford in your future?
Brian
September 10, 2024 at 11:11 am
This use of tech get two very big thumbs down from me. 👎👎
Marvin
September 11, 2024 at 9:32 am
Just another use of technology that will violate privacy and benefit big brother whether it is insurance companies or law enforcement. Data recording and transmission does not always consider envirommental impacts (weather,traffic, emergencies) that modify our normal driving behaviors. Data can be misinterpreted in cases involving accidents and litigation. Just another reason not to buy the product lines which include this technology. Speaking as a 20 year law enforcement and accident investigation officer!