Wed, Jun 20, 2012
Security Officials Able To Listen In On Passengers', Other Conversations
International passengers arriving at the Ottawa Airport will soon be subject not only to video surveillance, but also to enhanced audio monitoring of their conversations. The Canada Border Services Agency has nearly completed an upgrade of the video monitoring system in some areas of the Ottawa Airport, including the primary inspection area for arriving international passengers. And the upgrades include new microphones designed to pick up individual conversations in the area.
The Ottawa Citizen reports that the installation of as many as 88 new high-definition video cameras will be completed this summer. CBSA spokesman Chris Kealey said in a written statement that while the audio equipment will be installed, "it is important to note that ... no audio is recorded at this time. It will become functional at a later date."
In a separate statement, the agency said that the plan is to have conversations recorded.
The CBSA says it will post signs in areas where conversations may be recorded directing passengers to a "privacy notice" on the agency's website. The union representing the CBSA employees who work in that area has already expressed concerns about workplace conversations being recorded and becoming part of an employee's record.
The CBSA already has audio and video recording programs in place at other unidentified sites at airports and border crossings. The agency says the technology can potentially be used in an effort to fight organized crime and smuggling rings at major Canadian airports.
More News
"After Turning 70 years old twenty months ago, I began to think it was time to let someone younger take charge of the company..." Source: Bearhawk Aircraft's outgoing owner Mark Go>[...]
Aero Linx: Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) is a national organ>[...]
Aero Linx: International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA) We aim to be the most internationally respected independent authority on the subject of Airworthiness. IFA uniquely combi>[...]
Also: Boeing Whistleblower, Joby Aviation, Aircraft Parts Bust, AF Crew Trains w USCG Our Airborne schedule will be interrupted next week as we live-stream AEA2024. AEA Dallas 2024>[...]
“It was a great team effort on all fronts. We appreciate the coordination between the air station, sector and Royal Caribbean. The effective coordination and communication al>[...]