Fact Check: Illinois Secretary of State Investigates Police Department for Sharing License Plate Data
What We Know
The Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, has initiated an investigation into a suburban Chicago police department for allegedly violating state law by sharing data from automatic license-plate readers (ALPR) with a Texas sheriff. This action was prompted by the sheriff's request for information regarding a woman who had undergone a self-administered abortion. The investigation aims to ensure compliance with a 2023 law that prohibits the distribution of license-plate data for tracking individuals seeking abortions or undocumented immigrants (AP News, 6ABC).
The law was enacted in response to concerns that states with restrictive abortion laws might use such technology to surveil and potentially prosecute women seeking abortions in Illinois, where the procedure remains accessible (AP News). Giannoulias has also announced plans to implement an audit system to monitor police departments and ensure adherence to this law (6ABC).
Analysis
The claim that the Illinois Secretary of State requested an investigation is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and 6ABC both report on the Secretary's actions, detailing how police in Mount Prospect shared license-plate data with the sheriff in Johnson County, Texas. This sharing included not only abortion-related data but also information related to undocumented immigrants, which is a direct violation of the new law (AP News, 6ABC).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The information provided aligns with statements from Giannoulias and other officials, reinforcing the credibility of the claims. Furthermore, the incident was initially reported by 404 Media, which highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering potential abuses of technology (AP News).
Experts in privacy law have also weighed in, indicating that the misuse of such data is a significant concern, especially when police departments are not held accountable for their requests (AP News). This context adds depth to the investigation's implications, suggesting that the issue extends beyond this single incident.
Conclusion
The claim that the Illinois Secretary of State requested an investigation into a suburban Chicago police department for sharing license plate data is True. The investigation is a response to violations of state law concerning the misuse of automatic license-plate reader data, particularly in relation to abortion and immigration issues. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the accuracy of this claim.
Sources
- Illinois investigates police for sharing license plate data ... AP News
- Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with police seeking woman who had abortion - 6ABC 6ABC
- Officials investigate license-plate data shared with police for ... ABC News
- Illinois license plate cameras used illegally by out-of-state ... Capitol News Illinois
- Illinois Officials Investigate License-Plate Data Shared With ... US News
