Montreal law enforcement is discreetly expanding its array of AI-driven technologies to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy protection.
A sophisticated camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was recently discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist mounted on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies district. The device, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2, is produced by the Montreal-based company Genetec, as confirmed by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).
Unlike the contentious Flock Safety cameras prevalent in the United States, Genetec’s system not only reads license plates but also records distinct vehicle attributes such as color, make, and model. The collected data is managed by the system’s operator rather than being shared in a central database accessible to multiple police agencies.
According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, access to the captured images is restricted to the investigators handling the relevant cases. The camera’s removal was explained as a measure to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies.
Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the deployment of new technologies by law enforcement agencies. Dominique Peschard, a representative for the Ligue des droits et libertés, emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools being utilized by police while maintaining operational effectiveness.
The utilization of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI-powered technology. The SPVM has acknowledged the use of iMotion ROC AI software, developed by Rank One Computing, to assist investigators in sorting through vast amounts of video footage, with a denial of employing facial recognition or biometric functionalities.
The software operates offline on a closed network, analyzing footage from urban security cameras and privately owned surveillance systems with citizen consent or legal authorization. An internal privacy impact assessment by the SPVM highlighted potential civil liberties risks associated with the technology, underlining the importance of proper oversight and protection of individuals’ rights.
The revelation about the Cloudrunner camera by the SPVM followed initial confusion, with Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher initially unaware of its presence. The chief later clarified that the device was being used to target armed violence and vehicle thefts. Concerns were raised about the lack of awareness among top police officials regarding the deployment of such surveillance technology.
Furthermore, a contract worth $17,134 was awarded to Genetec by Montreal last October for the acquisition of four Cloudrunner units on a one-year subscription. While only one camera was identified and removed, the SPVM indicated the possibility of adding more cameras based on investigative requirements.
Genetec’s Vice President, Andrew Elvish, assured that the technology prioritizes privacy and maintains detailed records of data interactions. The balance between privacy and community safety was highlighted as a critical consideration in utilizing such surveillance tools.
Amid discussions on public safety and surveillance measures, the need for stringent regulations to protect individual privacy in the public domain was emphasized by legal experts. The evolving landscape of AI-driven technologies in law enforcement underscores the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security measures and safeguarding civil liberties.