Surveillance Tech to Track Cars and Personal Devices with License Plate Readers
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A surveillance company has announced plans to enhance automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology with capabilities that would enable the collection of additional personal data. Leonardo, a firm specializing in surveillance solutions, intends to integrate sensors into ALPR systems that can capture unique identifiers from Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones and wearables, within vehicles. This development, described in a June 2026 report by Schneier on Security, would allow law enforcement to track individuals beyond their vehicles, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
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The technology, named SignalTrace, represents a significant expansion of ALPR functionality. Traditional ALPR systems are designed to scan and record license plate numbers, primarily used for traffic enforcement and vehicle tracking. With SignalTrace, the devices would also detect Bluetooth signals emitted by mobile phones, smartwatches, and other connected gadgets. These signals include unique identifiers such as MAC addresses, which can be linked to specific devices and, by extension, individuals. According to the report, this would enable law enforcement to trace the movements of specific people, even if they are not driving the vehicle.
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The deployment of SignalTrace aligns with broader trends in surveillance technology, where data collection has increasingly shifted from physical infrastructure to digital signals. ALPR systems are already widely used across the United States, with estimates suggesting that over 7,000 agencies operate such systems. The addition of Bluetooth tracking would amplify their capacity to monitor public movement, potentially creating a more comprehensive digital footprint of individuals.
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What is SignalTrace and How Does It Work?
SignalTrace operates by equipping ALPR cameras with additional sensors capable of scanning Bluetooth signals within a 100-meter radius. When a vehicle passes an ALPR, the system captures both the license plate and any Bluetooth identifiers from devices inside the car. These identifiers are then stored in a database, allowing law enforcement to cross-reference vehicle movements with personal device activity. The technology is not yet commercially available, but Leonardo has reportedly tested it in limited scenarios.
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Why Is This Development Controversial?
The expansion of ALPR capabilities to include Bluetooth tracking has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and civil liberties groups. Critics argue that the technology could enable pervasive surveillance without clear legal safeguards. “This is a major step toward a society where every movement is tracked and recorded,” said a representative from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which has long opposed unchecked surveillance practices.
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The potential for misuse is a central concern. Law enforcement agencies could use SignalTrace to monitor individuals without warrants, particularly in areas with weak oversight. Additionally, the aggregation of Bluetooth data raises risks of data breaches, as hackers could exploit vulnerabilities to access sensitive information. A 2025 study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that Bluetooth tracking systems are susceptible to spoofing attacks, where malicious actors mimic legitimate device signals to evade detection.
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How Does This Compare to Existing Surveillance Practices?
While the introduction of SignalTrace represents a new layer of surveillance, it is not the first time ALPR systems have faced scrutiny. In 2022, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that ALPR data was often retained for years, creating long-term records of individuals’ movements. The addition of Bluetooth tracking would compound these issues by linking vehicle data to personal devices.
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The report also highlights that smartphones already collect vast amounts of personal data, including location history, app usage, and biometric information. Critics argue that the focus on ALPRs may distract from more pressing privacy concerns. “It’s ironic that we’re worried about license plate readers when our phones are already tracking us 24/7,” said a cybersecurity analyst at a tech nonprofit. However, advocates for stricter surveillance laws contend that ALPRs pose a unique risk due to their widespread deployment and lack of uniform regulations.
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What Are the Next Steps?
Leonardo has not publicly addressed concerns about SignalTrace, and the company’s official website does not mention the technology. However, the report notes that the firm has previously marketed similar surveillance tools, including facial recognition systems. Regulators in several U.S. states have begun reviewing ALPR policies, with some proposing limits on data retention and access.
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The development underscores the ongoing tension between technological advancement and privacy rights. As surveillance technologies evolve, policymakers face increasing pressure to balance public safety with the protection of individual freedoms. The outcome of current regulatory debates could shape the future of data collection practices in the United States.