SMART

Scalable Measures for Automated Recognition Technologies

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Automated recognition of individuals and/or pre-determined traits or risk factors/criteria lies at the basis, indeed is the very raison d’être, of smart surveillance systems. Yet new EU regulations and specifically those on information sharing between police and security forces explicitly prohibit automated decision-taking regarding individuals unless “authorised by a law which also lays down measures to safeguard the data subject’s legitimate interests” (art 7, CFD 2008/977/JHA). Where are these laws, what can these measures be and what else should the laws contain? Can the laws be technology-neutral but sector specific, thus permitting a measured approach to the appropriateness of smart surveillance technologies in key security applications? Can they be extended to all security applications of smart surveillance, even those not covered by CFD 2008/977/JHA or the proposed directive set to replace it? This project (SMART) addresses these and other questions through a comprehensive approach which combines a technical review of key application areas by sector with a review of existing pertinent legislation to then produce a set of guidelines and a model law compliant with CFD 2008/977/JHA and EU Directive 46/95 and the proposed successor legislation. The project first focuses on one meaning of “measures” i.e. it uses expertise from police and security forces from inside and outside the EU to “measure” (as in “calculate”) risk factors in a number of priority application areas for smart surveillance technologies including border control, crowd-control, counter-terrorism and e-government. Bringing together some of Europe’s leading experts on data protection with senior police officers responsible for using surveillance in the most CCTV-intensive cities in the world, SMART evaluates the appropriateness and available safeguards for on-line surveillance and associated risks inherent in data-sharing and exchange. Having thus identified appropriate instances of application as well as a number of technical, procedural and legal options for safeguards, the project moves on to create a tool-kit which would be useful to system designers, policy makers and legislative draughtsmen across Europe (and hopefully beyond). At this stage the project turns to a second meaning of “measures” i.e. it would bring to bear significant EU-wide expertise in data protection legislation in order to prepare a draft model law which would contain a number of measures providing adequate safeguards for the data subject and thus rendering use of smart surveillance compliant with CFD 2008/977/JHA and its proposed successor and other applicable regulations.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A study of smart surveillance systems is helping to develop a system that protects citizens against security threats while also aiming to address privacy concerns.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

As cross-border crime and terrorism become global concerns, the EU is investigating different ways that could enhance safety and security, particularly through the use of smart, cutting-edge technology.

The EU-funded project 'Scalable measures for automated recognition technologies' (SMART) is investigating the growing use of automated surveillance solutions.

Automatic systems included are massively integrated multi-sensor installations (MIMSIs), as well as targeted and untargeted mass surveillance.

It is looking at information sharing and automation of police databases in line with legal implications and norms.

More specifically, the project is studying future trends of smart surveillance and its impact on privacy, identifying vulnerabilities and exploring confidentiality in cyberspace.

SMART is also outlining weaknesses, safeguards, best practices, citizens' attitudes and relevant laws.

The work is expected to culminate in a toolkit for policymakers, security forces and police.

The system will provide guidelines to help systems designers ensure maximum privacy and data safeguarding.

It will also provide operating guidelines to help system users and police enhance the collection and handling of personal data.

The kit will facilitate implementation of best practices in order to balance privacy and security across Europe.

Already, the project team has investigated four key smart technology areas, namely border control, closed-circuit television, mobile devices and e-government.

The project's findings were supported by an Interpol survey conducted in almost 200 countries, providing in-depth insight into the types of smart technologies and surveillance techniques in current use.

SMART found that despite a great diversity in surveillance methods, the use of smart technologies is expected to rise.

With this in mind, the project hosted a policy workshop in Italy in 2012 bringing together experts in security, law, technology and sociology from around the globe.

The workshop results and emerging articles were published online and were made available to stakeholders free of charge, in addition to supporting the outcomes of the toolkit.

The SMART toolkit will support the coexistence of security and privacy rather than pitting one against the other.

This will help bring safety and security to Europe without compromising personal data, in an environment where smart surveillance can finally live up to its name.