Increased Surveillance During FIFA World Cup Raises Privacy Concerns
Beginning June 11, soccer enthusiasts will flock to stadiums across North America as the FIFA World Cup takes center stage. However, fans heading to matches in the United States should be aware of the significant surveillance measures in place. Recent investigations reveal that there are 1,181 automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras strategically positioned within five miles of the eleven U.S. stadiums hosting World Cup events this summer. The majority of these cameras are produced by Flock Safety.
ALPRs, utilized by municipalities, businesses, and homeowners’ associations, are designed to continuously capture and log license plate data from vehicles passing by. A market survey commissioned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicates that these systems may not only record license plates but also gather information regarding a vehicle’s make, model, year, and unique bumper sticker identifiers. Entities operating these networks can query extensive footage to compile detailed movement histories of vehicles, risking the potential for excessive surveillance. Particularly concerning is Flock Safety’s ability to permit data sharing among its network participants, which may inadvertently subject drivers to broader surveillance initiatives.
Flock Safety’s spokesperson, Paris Lewbel, confirmed that the company collaborates with governmental bodies and private organizations in areas surrounding World Cup venues. He underscored that individual customers, rather than Flock itself, maintain ownership and control over their data, making the decisions regarding its usage and sharing.
Andrew Elvish, Vice President of Global Marketing for Genetec, a provider of ALPR software, stated that the Canadian firm focuses primarily on parking management and is wary of the implications of broad access to aggregated license plate data, suggesting that this practice should raise legitimate concerns among the public.
The use of ALPRs has prompted significant scrutiny, as they have been implicated in misuse, including allegations of law enforcement using the technology to track personal relationships. For instance, in 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection faced condemnation for violating state statutes by accessing Flock data without proper authority. Furthermore, alarming reports emerged of Flock employees accessing camera feeds within children’s gymnastics facilities during sales presentations, an act condemned by privacy advocates.
Lewbel addressed these incidents, noting that there have been only a few reported cases of abuse. He confirmed that Flock Safety does not maintain ties with the Department of Homeland Security, stipulating that out-of-state agencies must comply with Illinois laws before accessing related data.
Tracey Ades, a senior director at Genetec, remarked that while the company strives to enhance safety protocols concerning its tools, ultimate deployment decisions are in the hands of the customers, emphasizing the need for legislative action to govern the use of such technologies.
Across the country, communities are increasingly resisting the proliferation of ALPR systems, advocating for greater transparency and accountability. Activists have compiled audit logs detailing license plate searches and organized them into accessible databases. Many cities have terminated existing contracts, and coordinated efforts are in motion for a national week of action against ALPRs in August. The data that WIRED utilized to identify the ALPR locations near World Cup stadiums was primarily sourced from a volunteer-driven mapping initiative. Given its crowdsourced nature, the full extent of ALPR presence in these areas may not be entirely captured.
These developments highlight the ongoing tension between advanced surveillance capabilities and the civil liberties of individuals, particularly during major public events like the FIFA World Cup. As business owners remain vigilant about cybersecurity risks, understanding the implications of widespread surveillance is essential for protecting both company interests and privacy rights.