License plate masking – definition
License plate masking refers to the graphical covering of vehicle registration plates in images or videos with shapes, colors, or patterns to prevent recognition and protect data privacy in accordance with GDPR and other regulations during visual data processing.
This method is often preferred to preserve the overall appearance of the scene while obscuring sensitive information.
Tools used in license plate masking
Automated detection systems locate license plates and overlay colored or patterned blocks or shapes. These solutions operate on-premise or in cloud environments, frequently utilizing artificial intelligence for optimal accuracy and processing speed.
Benefits of license plate masking
Masking secures personally identifiable information, facilitates lawful sharing of visual material, and reduces administrative burdens linked to data privacy compliance.
Risks of license plate masking
Incorrect masking due to detection errors may expose license plates. Inappropriate masking style can degrade the visual quality or informativeness of the material. Regular quality verification is essential. To ensure 100% effectiveness, human verification is sometimes necessary, which is not possible on a mass scale.
Examples of using license plate masking
In surveillance footage provided to third parties, license plates are masked with colored blocks to protect privacy while maintaining context.