Montreal police have been expanding their array of AI-driven tools to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city discreetly, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy rights among the public.
A high-tech camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was recently sighted 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 swiftly removed following the publication of an article by Radio-Canada.
Unlike the controversial Flock Safety cameras widely used in the U.S., the Genetec system not only scans license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model. The collected information is managed by the specific operator rather than shared in a central database accessible to multiple police forces.
SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger clarified that access to the captured images is limited to the investigators overseeing the targeted operations. The decision to remove the camera was explained as a measure to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies, with the SPVM intentionally keeping their technological tools classified to avoid impeding complex investigations.
However, privacy advocates have criticized the lack of transparency in introducing new technology. Dominique Peschard, a representative of the Ligue des droits et libertés, emphasized the importance of police informing the public about the tools being used while maintaining operational efficiency.
The deployment of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software developed by Rank One Computing. SPVM spokesperson Anik de Repentigny stated that the software aids investigators in analyzing vast amounts of video footage without utilizing facial recognition or biometric features, operating on a closed offline network.
An internal privacy impact assessment by the SPVM highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as the potential for unwarranted scrutiny of innocent bystanders and the risk of discriminatory practices based on visible social attributes. The assessment underscored that the software is configured to search for objects rather than specific identifiable traits to mitigate discrimination risks.
The admission regarding the Cloudrunner camera by the SPVM raised concerns about oversight, especially after initial confusion surrounding the device. Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher acknowledged the use of the camera for targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts, emphasizing the importance of supervisory protocols and data protection.
While a contract with Genetec for Cloudrunner units was awarded last October, indicating potential expansions in surveillance capabilities, SPVM spokesperson Bélanger hinted at the possibility of deploying more cameras based on the exigencies of ongoing investigations.
Genetec’s Vice President Andrew Elvish assured that the technology respects privacy, with stringent data logging mechanisms in place. The balance between privacy and security was emphasized, prompting reflections on community safety measures and individual privacy concerns.
The growing use of surveillance technology has sparked debates on privacy rights and the need for stringent oversight to prevent privacy breaches in public spaces. Public officials and legal experts stress the importance of regulating the use of such technologies to protect individuals’ privacy in the public domain.
