Fact Check: Illinois Secretary of State Investigates Police Department for Sharing License Plate Data
What We Know
On October 12, 2023, the Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, requested an investigation into a suburban Chicago police department for allegedly violating state law by sharing data from automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) with a Texas sheriff. This request was made after it was revealed that the Mount Prospect Police Department shared license plate data in connection with a case involving a woman who had undergone a self-administered abortion (AP News, 6ABC).
The incident highlights concerns regarding the misuse of ALPR data, particularly in the context of the 2023 Illinois law that prohibits the sharing of such data to track women seeking abortions or to find undocumented immigrants (6ABC, ABC News). Giannoulias noted that the Mount Prospect Police also shared data related to immigration matters, which is also against the law (AP News, 6ABC).
To prevent future violations, Giannoulias announced the creation of an audit system for police departments to ensure compliance with the new law (ABC News). The law was enacted in response to fears that states with restrictive abortion laws might use surveillance technology to track women seeking abortions in Illinois, where the procedure remains accessible (6ABC, AP News).
Analysis
The claim that the Illinois Secretary of State asked for an investigation into a police department for sharing license plate data is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and 6ABC report the same core details, confirming that Secretary Giannoulias took action after learning about the data sharing incident involving the Mount Prospect Police Department (AP News, 6ABC).
The reliability of these sources is high; the Associated Press is a well-established news organization known for its fact-based reporting, while 6ABC is a reputable local news outlet. Both sources provide consistent information regarding the investigation and the context of the law that prohibits such data sharing.
Moreover, the law itself, which was pushed by Giannoulias, aims to protect individuals from surveillance related to abortion and immigration, indicating a significant legislative response to privacy concerns in the post-Roe v. Wade landscape (ABC News, 6ABC). The involvement of privacy law experts, such as Albert Fox Cahn, further underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential for misuse of data if not properly regulated (6ABC).
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 evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Secretary Giannoulias acted upon discovering violations of state law regarding the misuse of automatic license plate reader data. The incident reflects broader concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of surveillance technology in sensitive contexts.
Sources
- Illinois investigates police for sharing license plate data
- Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with police seeking woman who had abortion - 6ABC
- Officials investigate license-plate data shared with police for woman over abortion
- Illinois license plate cameras used illegally by out-of-state police for abortion and immigration searches
- Illinois officials investigate license-plate data shared with Mount Prospect police seeking woman who had abortion
