Montreal police have quietly expanded their utilization of AI-driven technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy rights.
Recently, a powerful camera capable of scanning and identifying vehicles was discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighborhood. The camera, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 manufactured by Genetec, a Montreal-based company, was promptly removed following media attention.
Unlike the controversial Flock Safety cameras prevalent in the United States, the Genetec system not only reads license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model. While Flock cameras share data in a central database accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s system restricts collected information to its operator.
SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger explained that access to the captured images is limited to investigators overseeing relevant cases. The decision to remove the camera was made to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies, according to Bélanger.
Advocates for privacy rights have criticized the lack of transparency in implementing new technologies. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools being used by law enforcement without jeopardizing their operations.
The Cloudrunner cameras are part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software developed by Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in analyzing extensive video footage, the SPVM denies utilizing its facial recognition or biometric functions.
An internal privacy impact assessment obtained by CBC News acknowledges potential civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as unwarranted investigations of innocent individuals and discrimination based on visible characteristics. However, the assessment suggests mitigating discrimination risks by configuring the software to search for objects rather than identifiable traits.
Following public scrutiny, the SPVM confirmed its ownership of the Cloudrunner camera and its application in targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts. Despite the revelation of a single camera installation, the SPVM hinted at the possibility of adding more cameras based on investigative needs.
Genetec’s vice-president Andrew Elvish emphasized the technology’s privacy-respecting design and stringent data logging procedures. He highlighted the balance between privacy and public safety, prompting a reflection on community comfort levels regarding security measures.
In light of the recent developments, concerns have been raised about the oversight of surveillance technologies and the necessity for stringent controls to prevent privacy infringements in public spaces.
