It would appear the photographer is using some kind of augmented lighting so the individuals in the cars can be seen. That being the case, I would suggest that the photos do meet the ragged edge of privacy concerns.
Yes, there was a second car involved, next to the subject car providing additional radio controlled lighting. As it says in the article, the pictures provide a feeling of privacy while still in a public place. Its what we expect of the American driving experience, "cacoonlike" yet out there in our soloing vehicles.
Rather than a privacy issue, I see it more of a safety issue. Flashing a powerful strobe light onto people while they are driving could potentially startle them or temporally impair their vision, resulting in an accident.
I will be watching the news, someone is going to take exception with this , hope the photographer and his assistant survive.
The photographer stated that pictures were taken only when cars were stopped at traffic controlled (red lights) intersections.
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