Residents of Wasatch County will soon see improvements in data privacy practices following a recent Town Council meeting where officials discussed compliance with new state regulations. The meeting, held on September 8, 2025, focused on best practices for data collection and privacy, emphasizing the importance of transparency and responsible data management.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the recommendation to limit data collection to only what is necessary. Officials were urged to notify residents about any data being collected, ensuring that community members are informed about their privacy rights. The discussion highlighted the state's crackdown on agencies that sell data, reinforcing the importance of ethical data handling.

Participants were encouraged to implement a data inventory to track what information is collected, where it is stored, and how it is used. This inventory is a foundational step in establishing a robust privacy program. Additionally, council members were advised to watch an eight-minute privacy awareness training video, which is mandatory for all staff involved in data handling. Completing this training will help ensure compliance with state requirements.

The meeting also addressed the assignment of a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and a records officer to oversee data privacy efforts. Templates for these roles were provided to streamline the process. Council members were reminded that the deadline for compliance is December 31, 2025, and that completing the necessary steps early would alleviate last-minute pressures.

In conclusion, the Town Council's proactive approach to data privacy not only aligns with state regulations but also enhances community trust. As Wasatch County moves forward, these measures will help safeguard residents' personal information while promoting transparency and accountability in local governance.