In the US, they're starting to use an unusual technique to stop cameras from spying on people: covering them with trash bags

Dayton covered its Flock license plate readers with black trash bags after officials said they were unsure whether they could switch off or remove the contracted system.

The move followed reports that camera data had been shared with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, raising alarm over federal access to local surveillance feeds.

Other cities, including Evanston, have taken similar steps amid disputes with Flock, which says municipalities can disable the cameras and that some backlash stems from misinformation.

The case underscores how U.S. cities are trying to regain control over plate-reading surveillance systems whose contracts and technical controls are not always clear.