AI eyes of roads that can spy inside cars pose threat to privacy

To combat the rising number of accidents caused by distracted driving, the UK is planning a nationwide rollout of AI-powered speed cameras.

These AI cameras are not merely confined to catching speeding motorists. Rather, they possess the remarkable capability to identify drivers who are using mobile phones or neglecting to wear seat belts – two major contributors to road accidents.

This initiative represents a significant leap forward from existing practices. While a quarter of police forces across the UK have already deployed cameras to detect mobile phone use, the new technology elevates this capability to unprecedented levels.

By analyzing images from multiple angles, these cameras can discern whether a driver is holding a phone, even if it’s discreetly placed on their lap. This comprehensive surveillance system automatically flags potential violations, streamlining the process for law enforcement.

A controversial step

However, this technological leap has caused a massive uproar. Privacy advocates have criticized the intrusive nature of AI-powered surveillance.

Jake Hurfurt, the head of research and investigations at Big Brother Watch, a prominent privacy campaign group, has vehemently condemned the use of “unproven AI-powered video analytics” to monitor and potentially criminalize drivers, as reported by The Telegraph .

He said this type of surveillance, which treats every passerby as a potential suspect, is excessive and threatens the privacy of all citizens.

The Automobile Association (AA) has acknowledged the potential benefits of such cameras for road safety but cautioned against their overreliance.

While these cameras can capture specific incidents, they lack the ability to intervene in situations where a driver’s erratic behavior, such as speeding, might be attributed to intoxication. In such cases, the presence of a traffic officer remains crucial.

Ongoing trials

As the debate rages on, several police forces have already embarked on trials of various AI camera systems. Eleven police forces are currently testing Acusensus cameras, renowned for their ability to capture images from multiple angles to detect phone use and seatbelt violations.

Meanwhile, other innovative technologies, such as Jenoptik’s Vector-SR cameras, boast the ability to track traffic in both directions and utilize radar for speed detection.

Despite the mounting concerns, National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for England’s motorways and major A roads, remains optimistic about the potential of AI cameras to revolutionize road safety.

They point to research conducted by the Department for Transport, which reveals that 150,000 to 400,000 of the 50 million British drivers continue to use handheld devices illegally while behind the wheel, contributing to countless accidents.

Balancing safety and privacy

In the face of these statistics, National Highways firmly believes that the deployment of AI cameras will compel drivers to reconsider their behavior and prioritize safety. By leveraging technology to deter dangerous driving habits, they hope to create a safer environment for all road users.

The debate over AI-powered speed cameras underscores the complex interplay between technological advancement and individual privacy.

While these cameras hold the promise of significantly reducing accidents caused by distracted driving, they also raise legitimate concerns about the erosion of privacy and the potential for misuse of surveillance data.