Montreal police have silently expanded their array of AI-driven technologies to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy rights among the public.
Recently, a high-tech camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies area. The device, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 produced by Montreal-based Genetec, was promptly removed after Radio-Canada’s coverage.
Unlike the controversial Flock Safety cameras in the United States, which share data in a centralized database accessible to various law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s system operates differently, with the collected data managed by its operator. The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) confirmed this information.
According to Genetec’s website, the system not only scans license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model. SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger assured that the captured images are strictly accessed by investigators handling relevant cases.
Despite claims from SPVM about maintaining secrecy to safeguard investigative strategies, privacy advocates argue that there has been insufficient transparency in introducing new technologies. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools used by law enforcement without compromising operational effectiveness.
The utilization of Cloudrunner cameras is part of SPVM’s broader adoption of AI technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software by Rank One Computing. Although the software aids investigators in analyzing vast video footage, SPVM denied using its facial recognition or biometric features. The system operates offline from external databases and is restricted to identifying specific elements in videos.
An internal privacy impact assessment highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as potential unwarranted investigations and discrimination based on visible characteristics. SPVM’s acknowledgment of the Cloudrunner camera followed initial confusion by Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher, who later clarified its usage in targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts.
While only one camera was publicly disclosed, SPVM indicated the potential addition of more cameras based on investigative requirements. Genetec’s vice-president Andrew Elvish emphasized the technology’s privacy-respecting design and data accountability. The City of Montreal distanced itself from the camera installation, directing queries to SPVM.
In Quebec, video surveillance by public bodies must align with legitimate objectives, as outlined by the Commission d’accès à l’information. Legal expert Jean-François Latreille stressed the need for stringent controls on such technologies to prevent privacy infringements in public spaces.