Traffic Cameras that can see into your vehicle being trialed without public privacy vet
Traffic agency Waka Kotahi didn’t disclose privacy impact of traffic cameras that detect drivers using cellphones before it trialed them
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner and an independent expert both say Waka Kotahi erred in not publishing a privacy assessment before it started a trial of traffic cameras which can identify distracted drivers.
The traffic camera technology detects mobile phone use and people driving without a seat-belt. The traffic camera trial is being used to gather data for Waka Kotahi to measure the extent of the problem.
The transport agency did complete a Privacy Impact Assessment and engaged with the Privacy Commissioner for months before the trial started. But that document still isn’t available and won’t be released until later this month, Waka Kotahi said in response to an Official Information Act request.
The documents also show that the agency had dual goals in the trial: gathering data on the extent of the problem and testing the camera technology for potential future enforcement uses.
Waka Kotahi did mention the potential for using the cameras to issue fines in its media release and subsequent comments to media, but the emphasis was on the data-gathering component.
The Waka Kotahi spokesperson said it wouldn’t use facial recognition as part of any future enforcement programme and that law changes would be needed if it wanted to use the cameras to detect and punish offences.
Insight EDS keeps you up to date on breaking security news
