Montreal police have quietly expanded their utilization of AI-driven technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns regarding transparency and privacy rights among the public. Recently, a high-tech camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was discovered on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighborhood by a reporter from Radio-Canada. The camera, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 manufactured by the Montreal-based company Genetec, was promptly removed following media coverage.
Unlike the controversial Flock Safety cameras commonly used in the United States, Genetec’s 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 operator of the system, in contrast to a central database accessible by multiple police forces in the U.S. According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, access to the captured images is restricted to the investigators overseeing the relevant cases.
Privacy advocates have criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the deployment of new technology by law enforcement. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools being used by the police while maintaining operational security.
The SPVM’s adoption of Cloudrunner cameras is part of a broader integration of AI technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software by Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in analyzing extensive video footage, the SPVM denies using its facial recognition or biometric functionalities. The system operates offline within a closed network, processing video from various sources including urban security cameras and private surveillance footage with consent or legal authorization.
An internal privacy impact assessment from 2023, obtained through an access-to-information request, acknowledges the civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as potential unwarranted scrutiny of innocent bystanders and discrimination based on visible characteristics. Despite the risks, the assessment highlights measures to minimize discrimination by configuring the software to search for objects rather than identifiable traits like ethnicity.
The SPVM recently confirmed the presence of the Cloudrunner camera following initial confusion from Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher. The device, aimed at combating armed violence and vehicle thefts, is part of a contract awarded to Genetec last year. While only one camera was observed and removed, additional units could be deployed based on the requirements of ongoing investigations.
Andrew Elvish, vice-president at Genetec, assures that the technology prioritizes privacy and maintains comprehensive data logs for every interaction to uphold accountability. He stresses the balance between privacy and public safety, prompting a reflection on what trade-offs communities are willing to make for enhanced security.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s proposal for a voluntary security camera registry during the previous election campaign aligns with Quebec’s guidelines on video surveillance by public bodies, emphasizing the importance of addressing legitimate objectives while minimizing data collection to solve specific issues. Legal expert Jean-François Latreille underscores the necessity of stringent controls on the use of such tools to safeguard individual privacy in public settings.
