AI-Powered Speed Cameras Raise Privacy ConcernsAI-Powered Speed Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns Introduction The deployment of new speed cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked controversy due to concerns about privacy implications. These advanced cameras aim to reduce the number of drivers using handheld devices while driving, but privacy activists are raising alarm over the potential for excessive surveillance. Concerns over Privacy The new cameras take two photos of drivers, one to check for phone use near the ear and one to detect devices on the lap. Authorities claim that the images are anonymized, with identifiable details hidden. However, privacy advocates argue that the use of AI-driven facial recognition technology is intrusive and treats all drivers as potential suspects. Expert Opinions Jake Hurfurt, head of research at Big Brother Watch, expressed concerns about the potential criminalization of drivers based on unproven AI analytics. He believes that this type of surveillance normalizes excessive monitoring and poses a threat to everyone’s privacy. Public Reaction Motorists have varied opinions on the new cameras. Some welcome the increased enforcement of traffic laws, while others express concerns about the slippery slope towards constant surveillance. One motorist questioned the need for handheld devices in modern cars with hands-free functions, while another fears the erosion of personal privacy and the warnings of dystopian writers such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. Additional Information * Trial cameras on the A30 in Devon caught 130 people without seatbelts in a 72-hour period. * The AI cameras are integrated into speed cameras at various locations. Conclusion The debate over the new AI-powered speed cameras highlights the tension between road safety and privacy concerns. While authorities aim to reduce distractions and improve road safety, privacy advocates urge caution to prevent excessive surveillance and the erosion of personal freedoms.
There is growing outrage over the deployment of new speed cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that capture images of drivers’ faces and send them to police. The advanced cameras come as research by the Department for Transport suggests that as many as 400,000 UK drivers may still be using handheld devices while driving.
Privacy activists are outraged by the proposed widespread implementation of AI-powered cameras. These advanced devices take two photos of a driver: one at a shallow angle to check if a phone is being used near their ear, and another at a steep angle to detect if a device is being used on their lap.
In response to privacy concerns, authorities say the photos are anonymised by hiding identifiable details such as the vehicle’s registration number, passengers or make. Only when a driver is prosecuted are the images matched to vehicle registration data.
Jake Hurfurt, head of research and investigations at privacy organisation Big Brother Watch, expressed his concerns to the Daily Telegraph: “Unproven AI-driven video analytics should not be used to monitor and potentially criminalise drivers.”
He further argued: “This kind of intrusive and creepy surveillance that treats every passer-by as a potential suspect is excessive and normalising it is a threat to everyone’s privacy. People should be free to live their lives without being analysed by faceless AI systems,” Birmingham Live reports.
CCTV cameras on one of Devon’s busiest roads, the A30 near Launceston, caught 130 people not wearing seatbelts during a 72-hour trial last year. The cameras are mounted on vans and integrated into speed cameras at various locations.
Commenting on the increased surveillance, one motorist remarked: “Who can explain why people in cars that are only a few years old feel the need to hold their phones? Surely all new cars have a hands-free function? Range Rover drivers seem to be particularly bad at this.”
Another expressed his frustration, saying: “You’re missing the point. This isn’t about road safety. Of course it’s dangerous to use a phone while driving, but this is about surveillance. How long before we all have to have cameras in our cars monitoring our every move? This slow, inexorable increase in surveillance of our every move is exactly what George Orwell and Aldous Huxley warned us about.”
