Ford Motor Company has filed a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to obtain exclusive rights for a new technology that would expand police surveillance capabilities by including a device on cars that would spy on drivers and notify law enforcement if someone was speeding.
According to CBT News, Ford’s new surveillance effort, labeled “Systems and Methods for Detecting Speeding Violations,” would use sensors installed on future Ford vehicles to detect whether cars are speeding and to notify law enforcement of speeding violations. The outlet reported that the new patent application is part of Ford’s efforts to expand law enforcement tools through vehicle technology.
CBT News reported that the patented technology would allow future Ford vehicles to use cameras to send pictures of speeding cars, GPS location data, and other driver information to law enforcement officials.
READ MORE: Video: Mass surveillance plan revealed by UK prime minister
In a video shared by Wall Street Apes on X, formerly Twitter, a reporter warned about the auto manufacturer’s plans.
“Every new Ford is gonna have a device that’ll track all the vehicles that are around it. And any vehicle that is speeding, well, it will automatically get reported to the police,” the reporter said. “Not only that, this same device is also going to allow them to be able to track your vehicle and report it to the police if you’re caught speeding too. They’ve only filed for this patent so far.”
In response to the video, one social media user wrote, “Amazing how some major U S Corporations are working sooo hard to spit in the face of its customers and to go bankrupt… Think John Deere… Bud Light…” Meanwhile, another social media user claimed that Ford was “selling out our freedom.”
CBT News reported that Ford’s new technology is likely to raise both legal and ethical concerns if the patent is approved. The outlet noted that while law enforcement officials currently use surveillance tools such as speed cameras and red-light cameras, Ford’s new proposal would represent a significant shift in surveillance efforts by potentially encroaching on the data privacy of American vehicle owners.
The New York Times previously reported that multiple auto manufacturers, including Ford, have sold driver data, allowing insurance companies to access American driver habits. CBT News reported that the sale of driver data allows insurance companies to increase rates for drivers based on their driving habits.
