Montreal police have quietly expanded their utilization of AI-powered technology to monitor vehicles and individuals throughout the city, sparking concerns regarding public transparency and privacy protections. Recently, a high-tech camera capable of scanning and identifying vehicles was discovered on a lamppost along Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies neighborhood by a Radio-Canada journalist.
The camera, identified as a Cloudrunner CR-H2 manufactured by Montreal-based company Genetec, was promptly removed after Radio-Canada reported its presence. Unlike the controversial Flock Safety cameras widely deployed in the United States, Genetec’s system not only scans license plates but also records specific vehicle details such as color, make, and model.
While Flock cameras in the U.S. share data in a central database accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies, Genetec’s approach involves managing collected information internally. The SPVM clarified that access to the captured images is restricted to investigators overseeing relevant cases.
According to SPVM spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, the camera removal was intended to safeguard ongoing investigative strategies. Bélanger explained that the police force keeps its technological tools confidential to avoid compromising complex investigations. However, privacy advocates have criticized the lack of transparency in introducing new surveillance technology.
Dominique Peschard, a representative of the Ligue des droits et libertés, emphasized the importance of informing the public about the tools being deployed by law enforcement without compromising operational effectiveness. Peschard stressed the need for oversight to prevent technology from infringing on individuals’ rights.
The use of Cloudrunner cameras is part of the SPVM’s broader adoption of AI-driven technology, including the iMotion ROC AI software developed by Rank One Computing. While the software aids investigators in analyzing extensive video footage, the SPVM denies using its facial recognition or biometric features.
The SPVM’s internal privacy assessment recognizes potential civil liberties risks posed by the technology, such as unwarranted investigations and discrimination based on visible characteristics. The assessment highlights efforts to minimize discrimination by configuring the software to search for objects rather than identifiable traits like ethnicity.
Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher eventually confirmed the SPVM’s ownership of the Cloudrunner camera, clarifying its purpose in targeting armed violence and vehicle thefts. The revelation came after initial confusion and raised concerns about oversight in deploying new investigative tools.
Public records reveal that Montreal signed a contract with Genetec to acquire Cloudrunner units, with the possibility of additional cameras being deployed based on investigation requirements. Genetec’s vice-president, Andrew Elvish, emphasized the technology’s privacy-respecting design and the logging of all data interactions.
In response to inquiries, a City of Montreal spokesperson stated that they had not installed the Cloudrunner camera and directed questions about its usage to the SPVM. The ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of AI technology in law enforcement underscores the balancing act between public safety and individual privacy rights.