In 2016, California cities must fully describe license plate reader policies
Ars Technica 2015-10-16
(credit: Robert Couse-Baker)
Starting on January 1, 2016, California law enforcement agencies and companies will have to take new steps to make their automated license plate reader (ALPR, or LPR) policies more transparent to the public.
Among other things, under Senate Bill 34, any "ALPR operator" will be required to:
Implement a usage and privacy policy in order to ensure that the collection, use, maintenance, sharing, and dissemination of ALPR information is consistent with respect for individuals’ privacy and civil liberties. The usage and privacy policy shall be available to the public in writing, and, if the ALPR operator has an Internet Web site, the usage and privacy policy shall be posted conspicuously on that Internet Web site.
Law enforcement agencies must also include the "length of time ALPR information will be retained and the process the ALPR operator will utilize to determine if and when to destroy retained ALPR information."