Privacy commissioner unaware of bylaw dashboard cameras
Northern News Services
Friday, March 25, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The city's bylaw enforcement vehicles are equipped with dashboard cameras that also capture audio.
Elaine Keenan Bengts, the NWT privacy commissioner, told Yellowknifer she was surprised to learn about that earlier this month.
It raises concerns with her because the city is not covered by privacy protection legislation and oversight by her office.
"The bottom line is that the technology exists and law enforcement is going to want to use it," she said in an interview. "There are ways in which this technology can assist law enforcement in the way they work, but the questions always are do the benefits outweigh not only the risk, but the violation of personal privacy."
A request for comment on the city's protection of privacy when using the cameras was not returned.
The legislation the commissioner referred to is expected to undergo an overhaul.
The GNWT's mandate states it will introduce amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act during this term of the legislative assembly.
Sue Glowach, spokesperson for the territorial justice department, stated in an e-mail the government plans to carry out public consultation on the proposed changes to the legislation in the spring.
