California Approves Digital License Plates

[Ben]

California has approved the use of digital license plates. They apparently give users some convenience features, much like Google apps. Also much like Google apps, there seem to be some serious privacy concerns.

I still struggle with the fact that Google spies on me, but that maps is so damn convenient. I'm not sure anything about these plates would be convenient or cool enough for me to put them on my vehicle and let the government track me. They claim that the data isn't shared with gov or LE, but then immediately talk about using the tracking for Amber alerts. Which to me is slippery slope material. I wouldn't be surprised though, if this ends up becoming mandatory in many states rather than a "fun and convenient option".


https://www.npr.org/2022/10/15/1129305660/digital-license-plates-california

[Devonai]

The article is like "oh by the way they cost $20-$25 bucks a month." Just what? Privacy concerns aside, that's $240-$300 a year for "convenience." And what do you suppose happens if you forget to pay your monthly bill?

[bedlamite]

Oh good, now they can use more electricity they don't have. 

[Ben]

Also, regarding the privacy concerns, it'll be interesting when hackers get into them. Those "emergency messages" will be rife for swatting-like stuff. Like flashing "child abduction - sex predator" on the license plate of a dad taking his kids to soccer practice.

[HankB]

Also, regarding the privacy concerns, it'll be interesting when hackers get into them. Those "emergency messages" will be rife for swatting-like stuff. Like flashing "child abduction - sex predator" on the license plate of a dad taking his kids to soccer practice.

Will government, politician, police, or celebrity owned vehicles be using these plates? 

[bedlamite]

And what do you suppose happens if you forget to pay your monthly bill?

From the article:

and allow motorists to renew their registration automatically.

You will renew your California registration automatically, even after you move to Idaho, and you will like it.

[Ben]

You will renew your California registration automatically, even after you move to Idaho, and you will like it.

 

I had enough trouble getting them to leave me alone with a metal plate. I would have hated to deal with a digital plate and "saved payment method".

[K Frame]

"Like flashing "child abduction - sex predator" on the license plate of a dad taking his kids to soccer practice."

It's California. No one will bat an eye.

Flash the message "Parent in car not affirming child's gender choice!" and you'll get a full on SWAT response.

[230RN]

Other potential flashies:

Gun owner

MAGA voter

Porn browser

4th Covid shot needed

Toupee

Low social responsibility index


...

[dogmush]

Or just jailbreak the plate and change your license number before you rob that store.

[gunsmith]

I had enough trouble getting them to leave me alone with a metal plate. I would have hated to deal with a digital plate and "saved payment method".

ABOUT 6 OR 7 yrs after leaving CA I got a notice from the tax board, that I owe them some huge amount, like 15 grand or something ( I can't recall exactly ) because I had a CA security guard license!!

I went to the tax office in person and got a bureaucrat from China, from mainland Red China - who insisted I must be guilty and I had to "prove" I didn't work . I raised my voice and told him "it's Nevada, not WINnada and I am innocent until proven guilty" and a whole host of other things about the nature of Communist dictatorships .... I now wonder if he wasn't one of the CCP members sent to America to embed themselves in govt and industry as has been reported ... anyway I raised such a fuss that his supervisor stamped my letter/filed it/said the matter is resolved and you do not owe anything        

[AZRedhawk44]

Yes, I would like a pair of low mounted LCD screens installed on my bumper.  Yes, right next to all the chips and dings that are already there.  You know that pesky 12v light that so many motorists already get pulled over for, for not working?  Go ahead and power the screen with that, it'll be fine.  I'm sure no rock strikes will hit the screen and no moisture will penetrate its electronics and short it out.

Have a GREAT day.  Thainks!  Baiyeee!