Uzbekistan's Secret Cameras Exposed Online

A sprawling license plate surveillance system across Uzbekistan, comprising nearly a hundred high-resolution cameras, has been left exposed to the internet without any security measures. This critical vulnerability allows unrestricted access to a vast database containing millions of photos and video footage of vehicles and their occupants. The system, managed by the Department of Public Security within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been operational since mid-2025, collecting data on traffic violations.

The exposure provides an unprecedented look into the capabilities of national vehicle tracking systems and the potential for misuse of collected data. Security researcher Anurag Sen discovered the breach, noting that the system's database includes real-world camera locations and extensive traffic monitoring records. This incident occurs as countries like the United States are expanding their own license plate reader networks, highlighting growing concerns over mass vehicle monitoring and data privacy.

The surveillance technology is supplied by Maxvision, a Chinese company that exports its products globally. Cameras, some watermarked with the name of Singaporean maker Holowits, capture footage in 4K resolution. Despite attempts to contact Uzbek government representatives and UZCERT, the surveillance system remains accessible online, underscoring the persistent security risks associated with such technologies.