A GTA 5 modder has just transformed Los Santos into the ultimate surveillance state

One intrepid GTA 5 mod maker has taken inspiration from the growing conversation around public recording devices to transform Los Santos into a camera-filled surveillance state. Modder Morry, who goes by the username 'WTTDOTM,' has filled the GTA 5 map with a total of 235 'GTALPRs,' based on the modern prevalence of ALPRs (Automatic Licence Plate Readers). These new in-game additions will take pictures as you drive around, report you to cops, and can be destroyed and sold for money.

With no GTA 6 due on PC this year, there's still space for Grand Theft Auto 5 to shine, and modders are at the forefront of that effort. Whether it's the total revamping of roleplaying server Nopixel or simply flying around town in a Star Wars X-Wing, you can always rely on GTA 5 mods to offer a wide range of new experiences. This latest creation came to life as a parody of the current conversations around the real-world use of ALPRs by companies such as Flock Safety, but it's not without some fun ways to use it.

ALPRs are AI-powered cameras that take a picture of each car's license plate as it passes, and they have become extremely commonplace across many US states in recent years. The integration of AI in particular has caused concerns from critics who claim such systems can be misused to infringe on privacy. WTTDOTM notes that the 235 in-game cameras they have installed across Los Santos is just one-tenth of the number open-source website Deflock is currently tracking across the real-life LA County, which GTA 5's world is based on.

To start with, the mod's creator explains that the sheer number of these cameras "makes the game much harder." This is mostly because it's "nearly impossible to evade" this army of eyes across Los Santos, but also because each time you drive past a GTALPR, there is a 5% chance it will trigger a police chase without cause. WTTDOTM claims this is designed to represent the "history of inaccurate reporting" by such devices.

Having access to so many cameras can be turned to your benefit, of course. You're free to place down and save your own ones, and because they're capable of taking pictures, you can set up elaborate photoshoots by establishing them in key locations to capture stunt jumps or other action. Pictures can be exported in standard 19:9 resolution, or at smaller aspect ratios to share via social media.

Lastly, WTTDOTM adds, "Far be it from me to implement a surveillance state in game art and not gamify destroying it, so there is speedrunning functionality." You're able to set out to set your best times for smashing through ten, 50, or all 235 cameras as quickly as possible. Additionally, if a camera gets destroyed, you can collect the remnants for a $600 payout, which is based on an estimation of their real-life component costs.

The GTA 5 Automated License Plate Reader mod is out now, and can be downloaded for free via GTA5-mods. WTTDOTM has also made it available via Github.

Whether you're looking for another way to make Los Santos feel a little closer to the real streets of Los Angeles, or simply want your own handy camera network to try your hand at elaborate cinematography, this latest mod is another a good way to pass the time while we await any news of GTA 6 on PC.