Montreal authorities are expanding their utilization of AI-driven technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy implications.
Recently, a high-tech camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist mounted on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies district. Identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 device produced by local company Genetec, the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) acknowledged its use.
Similar to the controversial Flock Safety cameras in the United States, the system not only reads license plates but also captures and stores details such as vehicle color, make, and model. Unlike Flock cameras which share data across multiple police forces, Genetec’s system restricts the collected information to its designated operator.
According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, access to the captured images is limited to the investigators handling the relevant cases. Bélanger emphasized the removal of the camera was to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies, underscoring the SPVM’s practice of keeping its technological tools discreet to avoid compromising complex investigations.
Critics argue that the introduction of new technology lacks transparency. Dominique Peschard, a representative for the Ligue des droits et libertés, emphasized the importance of informing the public about law enforcement tools without compromising operational effectiveness.
In a broader context, the SPVM is integrating AI technology beyond license plate recognition. The use of iMotion ROC AI software by Rank One Computing was confirmed by the SPVM to aid in analyzing extensive video footage. However, the force denied using facial recognition or biometric features of the software, citing its sole purpose as identifying specific elements within videos.
An internal privacy assessment highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, including the potential unjust targeting of innocent individuals and discrimination based on visible characteristics. The assessment assured that the software’s configuration focuses on objects rather than identifiable traits like ethnicity to mitigate discrimination risks.
Following a period of uncertainty, Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher clarified the SPVM’s ownership and purpose behind the Cloudrunner camera, emphasizing its role in combating armed violence and vehicle theft. The chief’s initial lack of awareness regarding the technology raised concerns among privacy advocates, emphasizing the need for thorough oversight and protection of private information.
While a single Cloudrunner camera was observed and removed, the SPVM indicated the possibility of deploying additional cameras based on investigative requirements related to armed violence, vehicle theft, and merchant-related violence. Genetec’s vice-president, Andrew Elvish, reassured that the technology prioritizes privacy and data interactions are meticulously logged.
In light of these developments, the city of Montreal emphasized its non-involvement in the installation of the Cloudrunner camera, redirecting inquiries to the SPVM. The evolving landscape of surveillance technology in Montreal has prompted discussions around privacy safeguards and the balance between public safety and individual rights.