Montreal law enforcement is discreetly expanding its array of AI-driven technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, prompting concerns about transparency and privacy rights among the public.
A state-of-the-art camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was recently observed 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 produced by Montreal-based company Genetec, was swiftly removed following media coverage.
Unlike the contentious Flock Safety cameras in the United States, the Genetec system not only reads license plates but also captures and retains specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model. The data collected by Genetec is managed by its operators, differing from Flock cameras that share information in a centralized database accessible by multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, the captured images are exclusively accessible to investigators handling the relevant cases. Bélanger emphasized that the camera’s removal aimed to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies and that the SPVM intentionally maintains the secrecy of its technological tools to avoid impeding complex investigations.
However, privacy advocates argue that the rollout of new technology lacks transparency. Dominique Peschard from the Ligue des droits et libertés, a Quebec human rights group, stressed the importance of informing the public about the tools being utilized by law enforcement while ensuring that protocols are in place to protect individuals’ privacy rights.
The integration of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI-driven technology. The SPVM acknowledged using iMotion ROC AI software from Rank One Computing to aid investigators in sorting through extensive video footage but denied employing the software’s facial recognition or biometric functions. The software operates on a closed offline network segregated from external databases.
An internal privacy impact assessment obtained by CBC News highlighted civil liberties risks associated with the technology, including the possibility of innocent bystanders becoming subjects of investigation and the potential for discrimination based on visible social attributes. The assessment noted that the software is configured to search for objects like a “red coat” or “green bike” rather than identifiable traits to mitigate discriminatory practices.
The SPVM’s disclosure about the Cloudrunner camera follows a period of uncertainty and conflicting statements from Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher. Despite initial confusion, Dagher later clarified that the SPVM owned the device, which was deployed to combat armed violence and vehicle thefts.
Records indicate that Montreal secured a contract with Genetec to acquire four Cloudrunner units. While only one camera was observed, the SPVM suggested additional cameras may be installed based on investigative needs related to armed violence, motor vehicle thefts, and crimes against merchants.
Andrew Elvish, Genetec’s vice president, assured that the technology prioritizes privacy, with all interactions with gathered data being logged. He emphasized the importance of balancing privacy expectations with community safety concerns.
In response to inquiries, a City of Montreal representative stated that they had not installed the Cloudrunner camera and deferred deployment-related questions to the SPVM. The city’s mayor previously advocated for a voluntary security camera registry during the last election campaign.
Legal experts like Jean-François Latreille underscore the necessity of stringent regulations governing the use of such surveillance tools to prevent the erosion of individual privacy in public spaces.