Montreal authorities have been quietly expanding their arsenal of AI-driven technologies to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy rights.
A sophisticated camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was recently discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist on a lamppost in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies area. The camera, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 manufactured by local company Genetec, was promptly removed following media coverage.
Similar to the contentious Flock Safety cameras widely utilized in the United States, the system not only scans license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model, as per Genetec’s website. Unlike Flock cameras that share data in a central database accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s system ensures that collected information is managed by its designated operator.
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) clarified that access to the captured images is limited to investigators handling relevant cases. SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger emphasized that the camera’s removal was to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies and that the use of technological tools is kept confidential to avoid compromising complex investigations.
Despite assurances from law enforcement, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the deployment of new technologies. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés stressed the importance of public awareness regarding law enforcement tools to prevent potential infringements on privacy rights.
The utilization of Cloudrunner cameras is part of a broader move by the SPVM towards AI-powered solutions. The SPVM acknowledged using iMotion ROC AI software, developed by Rank One Computing, to assist investigators in analyzing vast amounts of video footage. The SPVM maintained that the software does not employ facial recognition or biometric capabilities but is utilized to identify specific elements within video content.
An internal privacy impact assessment conducted by the SPVM highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, including the possibility of subjecting innocent individuals to investigation and potential discrimination based on visible characteristics. The assessment emphasized configuring the software to search for objects rather than identifiable traits to mitigate discriminatory outcomes.
The revelation about the Cloudrunner camera came after initial confusion within the Montreal Police department. Chief Fady Dagher initially claimed ignorance of the device but later clarified its purpose in targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts. Concerns were raised about the lack of oversight and awareness within the police department regarding the use of advanced surveillance technologies.
While only one Cloudrunner camera was identified and removed, the SPVM hinted at the potential addition of more cameras based on investigative needs. Genetec’s Andrew Elvish emphasized the technology’s privacy-respecting design and the logging of all interactions with the gathered data.
The debate surrounding the deployment of advanced surveillance tools underscores the delicate balance between public safety and individual privacy. The city of Montreal and law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in utilizing such technologies within the framework of legal and ethical standards.