Montreal authorities have been expanding their utilization of AI-driven technology to monitor individuals and vehicles throughout the city discreetly, sparking concerns about privacy and transparency. Recently, a high-tech camera capable of detecting and identifying vehicles was discovered by a Radio-Canada journalist on a lamppost in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies area. The camera, a Cloudrunner CR-H2 model made by local company Genetec, was promptly removed following media coverage.
Similar to the controversial Flock Safety cameras widely deployed in the United States, the Cloudrunner system not only scans license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model. Unlike Flock cameras that share data in a central database accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s system allows the collected information to be managed by its operator.
According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, access to the captured images is restricted to investigators handling the relevant cases. Bélanger emphasized that the camera’s removal was necessary to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies and that the SPVM maintains secrecy around its technological tools to prevent interference with complex investigations.
Despite the SPVM’s efforts to keep its technology under wraps, privacy advocates have criticized the lack of transparency in deploying new surveillance tools. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés emphasized the importance of police informing the public about the tools being used without compromising their investigative work.
The use of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software from Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in analyzing extensive video footage, SPVM spokesperson Anik de Repentigny clarified that the force does not utilize its facial recognition or biometric features.
An internal privacy assessment by the SPVM highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as the potential for innocent bystanders to come under scrutiny and the risk of discrimination based on visible traits. The assessment, conducted in 2023, emphasized that the software is configured to search for objects rather than identifiable traits to mitigate discrimination risks.
The SPVM’s acknowledgment of the Cloudrunner camera’s existence followed initial confusion, with Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher initially unaware of the device. The chief later clarified that the camera was used to target armed violence and vehicle thefts. Notably, public records revealed a contract awarded to Genetec for Cloudrunner units, with the possibility of additional cameras being deployed based on investigative needs.
Andrew Elvish, Genetec’s vice president, assured that the technology prioritizes privacy and maintains detailed logs of data interactions. Despite concerns raised by privacy advocates, including lawyer Jean-François Latreille, about the potential loss of privacy, authorities maintain that such surveillance tools are crucial for public safety.
In Quebec, the Commission d’accès à l’information mandates stringent criteria for public entities deploying video surveillance in public spaces, underscoring the importance of addressing legitimate objectives while minimizing data collection. The evolving landscape of AI technology in law enforcement raises critical questions about the balance between security and privacy.