Montreal police are expanding their use of AI-powered technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy. Recently, a sophisticated camera capable of scanning and identifying vehicles, known as the Cloudrunner CR-H2 and produced by Genetec, was discovered on a lamppost in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighborhood. This camera, similar to the controversial Flock Safety cameras in the U.S., not only reads license plates but also records specific vehicle details like color, make, and model.
Unlike Flock cameras that share data in a central database accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s system keeps the collected information within the operator’s control. The Montreal police confirmed that access to the captured images is restricted to the investigators handling the relevant cases. The camera 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. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools being used by police without compromising operational effectiveness.
The Cloudrunner cameras are part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI-driven technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software from Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in analyzing large volumes of video footage, the SPVM maintains that it does not utilize facial recognition or biometric features. The software operates offline on a closed network, analyzing video from urban security cameras and private surveillance footage lawfully obtained by officers.
An internal privacy impact assessment by the SPVM acknowledged potential civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as inadvertently targeting innocent individuals and the risk of discrimination based on visible characteristics. The assessment highlighted that the software is configured to search for objects rather than identifiable traits like ethnicity to mitigate discrimination risks.
Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher’s initial lack of awareness regarding the Cloudrunner camera raised questions about oversight. Despite the confusion, the chief later confirmed the SPVM’s ownership of the device, stating its use in combatting armed violence and vehicle thefts. The procurement of Cloudrunner units by Montreal and the possibility of deploying more cameras based on investigative needs have also come to light.
Genetec’s vice-president, Andrew Elvish, emphasized the technology’s privacy-respecting design and the logging of all data interactions. However, concerns remain about the balance between privacy and public safety in the community. As debates on surveillance technologies continue, it is imperative to establish clear protocols to safeguard individuals’ privacy in public spaces.
