California's Attorney General sues El Cajon for using license plate reader technology

February 9, 2026 - 04:57

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon, alleging the municipality violated state law through its use of automated license plate reader technology. The legal action centers on El Cajon's police department and its failure to complete a mandatory privacy impact assessment before implementing and continuing to operate the surveillance system.

The state alleges that the city's use of the readers, which capture and store vast amounts of location data on every passing vehicle, poses significant risks to civil liberties and personal privacy. State law requires such an assessment to evaluate these risks and establish safeguards before the technology is deployed. According to the Attorney General's office, El Cajon operated the system for years without this crucial review.

In a statement, the Attorney General emphasized that while technology can be a tool for public safety, it must be used responsibly and in compliance with laws designed to protect Californians' privacy. The lawsuit seeks a court order to compel El Cajon to immediately cease using the license plate readers until it completes the required assessment and to delete any unlawfully collected data. The case highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement surveillance tools and privacy rights within the state.