Ford Motor Company recently filed a patent that is causing a stir and sparking a debate about privacy and surveillance on our roads. The patent, titled “Systems and methods for speeding detection,” describes a system that could turn Ford vehicles into mobile speedometers that other drivers can report to the police.

The patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in January 2023. However, it was not officially published by the USPTO until July 18, 2024.

This innovative, albeit controversial, technology has the potential to revolutionize traffic surveillance, but at the same time raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns.

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Ford Police Interceptor (Ford Motor Company)

How it works

The proposed system uses a sophisticated combination of on-board cameras and sensors to monitor the speed of surrounding vehicles in real time. If a car is detected to be exceeding the speed limit, the system springs into action. It takes a high-resolution image of the speeding vehicle, meticulously records the speed, time and exact location of the violation, and then summarizes this information in a comprehensive report.

This data packet is then transmitted directly to the police or road surveillance units via a secure internet connection, providing law enforcement authorities with immediately actionable information.

Patent image for speeding detection from Ford (USPTO)

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Possible advantages of the proposed system

Proponents of the system argue that it could significantly streamline the enforcement of speed limits, potentially leading to safer roads and fewer traffic fatalities. Automating the detection and reporting process could dramatically reduce the need for dangerous high-speed chases, making both police officers and drivers safer. In addition, the technology could be seamlessly integrated into self-driving cars, creating a network of autonomous speed monitors policing our highways.

Concerns about mobile speed detection technology

But with the potential benefits come a number of concerns. Privacy advocates fear that the technology could represent a significant step towards a surveillance state, where every vehicle on the road becomes a potential informant. There are also serious legal questions about the admissibility of evidence collected without direct police observation. In addition, the system’s inability to confirm the driver’s identity – a limitation shared by current speed camera technology – could lead to false accusations and legal complications.

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Patent image for speeding detection from Ford (USPTO)

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Ford’s response

In response to the growing concerns, we reached out to Ford and a spokesperson clarified the company’s intentions: “The patent specifically states that this idea is specifically intended for use in police vehicles such as the Ford Police Interceptor and that it is a system that automates a function that police already use today, except that it uses the built-in system and sensors in the vehicle. This patent does not say that driving data from customers’ vehicles will be shared with police, which some media outlets have incorrectly reported. And note that patent applications are intended to protect new ideas, but are not necessarily indicative of new business or product plans.”

However, sceptics point out that the language in the Patent application appears to leave room for broader applications and may open the door to future expansion of technology use.

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Patent image for speeding detection from Ford (USPTO)

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Legal and practical challenges

There would be numerous legal and practical hurdles to implementing such a system. The admissibility of evidence collected without direct police observation could be challenged in court, potentially rendering the system ineffective as a law enforcement tool. The inability to confirm the driver’s identity could – similar to current restrictions on speed cameras – lead to innocent vehicle owners being unfairly penalised for offences committed by other drivers of their car. In addition, there is likely to be significant public backlash against what many would perceive as an invasive surveillance system.

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Kurt’s key findings

Ford’s patent for mobile speed measurement technology represents an intriguing but controversial development in traffic enforcement. While it promises to improve road safety and efficiency, it also raises critical questions about privacy and the potential for abuse. As this technology continues to develop, it will be critical to balance its benefits with the protection of civil liberties and ensure that advances in safety do not come at the expense of our privacy. The ongoing debate will undoubtedly shape the future of the implementation and regulation of such technologies.

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