The Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reportedly shared drivers’ location information with federal and out-of-state law enforcement agencies. This sharing, which allegedly occurred as recently as 2024, violates California law and a 2022 lawsuit settlement. The ACLU of Northern California and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) called on MCSO to investigate and explain these actions, as ACLU of Northern California reported.
This incident follows a previous lawsuit against MCSO for illegally sharing millions of drivers’ license plates and locations. For drivers, this means their location data, captured by ALPRs, may be accessible to a wider network than initially understood. Learn more about how ALPRs work on our /learn page.
What happened with Marin County ALPR data sharing?
Network audit logs show that during the final months of 2024, MCSO shared ALPR information. This included 254,131 instances in November 2024 alone. The sharing involved multiple out-of-state and federal agencies. The ACLU NorCal and EFF filed a Public Records Act request with MCSO. They seek proof that the office is not actively sharing ALPR information with any federal or out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
Key details:
- Who: Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
- What: Allegedly shared automated license plate reader (ALPR) data.
- When: As recently as 2024, with 254,131 shares in November 2024.
- With Whom: Federal and out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
- Why it matters: This violates California law and a previous settlement agreement.
What should drivers in Marin County do?
If you drive in Marin County, your vehicle's location data may have been shared beyond local authorities. Drivers might consider asking their local representatives about their community's ALPR policies. You can inquire about:
- Which agencies have access to ALPR data collected in your area.
- How long ALPR data is stored.
- What specific policies are in place to prevent unauthorized sharing.
Understanding where cameras are located can help you make informed decisions about your routes. Check our /map to see known ALPR locations. The ACLU NorCal and EFF have asked MCSO to implement better safeguards to prevent future data breaches. The outcome of their Public Records Act request is pending.