Lynnwood Ends Deal With License‑Plate Reader Company Over Privacy Fears

The city council of Lynnwood decided to drop its contract with the automated license‑plate reader firm, ending a partnership that had raised alarms about data privacy and misuse. The unanimous vote reflected growing community concern after a university study revealed that out‑of‑state agencies were accessing the city’s network, possibly for immigration enforcement. Similar findings surfaced in other county systems, prompting residents to push for termination. Before the cameras began operation, the vendor had already allowed federal agencies such as Customs and Border Protection to tap into thousands of networks nationwide. Lynnwood’s own police chief learned that the city’s system was being queried by more than 100, 000 external searches in just nine days, with at least sixteen linked to immigration matters. The chief had intended the system for local use only, but a “nationwide lookup” feature enabled broader access until it was disabled.Financially, the city had signed a two‑year agreement worth $171, 000, largely funded by a state grant and supplemented by the police budget. The cost of cancelling the contract is still uncertain, but it may help address a $5 million budget shortfall. The chief acknowledged that the technology is valuable for solving crimes, yet noted that alternatives are pricier. Lynnwood is not alone. Mountlake Terrace ended a similar deal before installation, while other towns have paused or suspended the program pending policy changes. A state bill that would regulate automated license‑plate readers is currently in the legislature, and some officials hope it could allow a safe return of the cameras. The decision underscores the tension between public safety tools and privacy rights. Council members and citizens alike argue that restoring trust requires clear safeguards, especially when the public’s confidence is already fragile. The city’s choice to terminate the contract marks a significant step toward protecting residents’ data.