Montreal police have been expanding their utilization of AI-driven technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns about transparency and privacy protection. A sophisticated camera capable of scanning and recognizing vehicles was recently spotted by a Radio-Canada journalist on a lamppost in the Rivière-des-Prairies neighborhood of Montreal. Manufactured by Genetec, a Montreal-based company, the camera, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2, was promptly removed following media coverage.
In addition to scanning license plates, the camera system can identify specific vehicle attributes such as color, make, and model. Unlike Flock Safety cameras in the U.S., which share data in a central database accessible to multiple police departments, Genetec’s system manages collected information internally. The SPVM assured that access to captured images is restricted to investigators handling relevant cases.
Despite claims of maintaining secrecy to safeguard investigative strategies, critics argue that the rollout of new technology lacks transparency. Advocates for privacy rights emphasize the importance of informing the public about the tools being employed by law enforcement agencies without compromising operational effectiveness.
The deployment of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI-driven solutions, including the iMotion ROC AI software developed by Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in reviewing vast amounts of video footage, the SPVM denies using its facial recognition or biometric features. The system operates offline within a closed network and analyzes footage from various surveillance cameras, both public and private.
An internal privacy assessment conducted by the SPVM acknowledges the potential civil liberties risks associated with the technology, such as unwarranted investigations and discrimination based on visual characteristics. However, measures are in place to minimize discriminatory practices by configuring the software to search for objects rather than identifiable traits like ethnicity.
Following a period of confusion, the SPVM confirmed its ownership and use of the Cloudrunner camera for targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts. Despite the removal of one camera, the SPVM hinted at the possibility of deploying additional units based on investigative needs. Genetec’s vice president emphasized the technology’s privacy features and the importance of balancing public safety with individual privacy expectations.
In response to inquiries, the City of Montreal clarified that it had not installed the Cloudrunner camera and redirected questions to the SPVM. The evolving landscape of surveillance technology in Montreal has sparked discussions about privacy protection, oversight, and the balance between security measures and individual rights.