If you’re travelling through Canadian airports, think before putting your tongue in gear in certain ’customs-controlled’ areas, writes Brian Byrne.
Because an unspecified number of them now have the facility to listen to and record the conversations of passengers in these areas, in addition to the familiar CCTV filming.
This came to light recently when a local newspaper in Ottawa began investigations into reports that new video monitoring systems also had the capability to listen to conversations.
The Canada Border Services Agency said the audio systems are not yet active at Ottowa, but signs would be posted referring to a Privacy Statement on the organisation’s website when they are activated.
In addition to border security, the systems may also be used to track criminal activities through the airport. Unions representing workers there have already expressed concerns that employee conversations could become part of workers’ records.
