Why Minneapolis Has Some of the Strictest Privacy & Surveillance in the State

Every city handles privacy & surveillance a little differently. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

License Plate Readers

Minneapolis requires a public hearing and City Council approval before any license plate reader contract takes effect, and bars using LPR data or technology to help enforce federal immigration law.

Key details: Council approval: Public hearing plus full Council vote. Hearing notice: 20 to 45 days published. ICE data-sharing: Barred absent judicial warrant. Governing sections: §§ 18.190, 19.20.

Entering a license plate reader contract without the required public hearing and Council vote, or using LPR data to assist federal immigration enforcement, violates §§ 18.190 and 19.20.

This is one of the stricter rules in Minneapolis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Facial Recognition Ban

Minneapolis city departments, including police, are banned from acquiring or using facial recognition technology under a 2021 ordinance, with only narrow carve-outs like phone unlocking.

Key details: Governs: All city departments, including police. Enacted: Ord. No. 2021-006, Feb. 12, 2021. Evidence rule: Violating data barred from proceedings. Device exception: Single-user phone/tablet unlock allowed. New exceptions: Require public council hearing.

Violating data cannot be used as evidence in any city proceeding and must be deleted; employees who intentionally violate the ban face discipline under applicable personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Minneapolis actively enforces its facial recognition ban requirements.

The Bottom Line

Minneapolis is tougher than many cities when it comes to privacy & surveillance. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Minneapolis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Minneapolis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.