Utah Governor Launches Review of Flock License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

Salt Lake City, UT, August 20, 2026 —

Salt Lake City, UT – Utah Governor Spencer Cox has initiated a comprehensive review of the state’s use of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing significant concerns over resident privacy.

The governor’s office stated that the review aims to ensure that the ALPR system upholds privacy protections for Utah residents and to prevent potential misuse, such as stalking. While no specific incidents of misuse have been reported in Utah to date, Governor Cox emphasized the proactive nature of this review.

“We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of Utahns,” Governor Cox stated. “This review will help us understand any potential vulnerabilities and ensure our policies are robust enough to prevent misuse of this technology.”

The initiative involves collaboration with the state’s privacy board to thoroughly examine current regulations governing the use of ALPR technology. The governor indicated that this process may lead to recommendations for new legislation or amendments to existing laws to bolster privacy safeguards.

Flock ALPR systems capture images of license plates and store them, along with vehicle location and time data. While proponents argue these systems are valuable tools for law enforcement in investigating crimes and locating stolen vehicles, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the potential for widespread surveillance and data breaches.

The governor’s office has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of the review, but confirmed that it is a priority. The outcome of the review is expected to inform future policy decisions regarding the deployment and oversight of ALPR technology in Utah.

Story summarized from the original created by Jeff Tavss on www.fox13now.com, see more information here.

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