Armenia’s proposed surveillance bill mandates private entities in Yerevan install video cameras for police oversight. Human Rights Watch warns this infringes on privacy rights and civil liberties, potentially leading to mass surveillance without justification. Calls to amend or halt the bill until compliance with international standards ensues have emerged amidst widespread criticism.
Armenia’s government has unveiled a controversial surveillance bill aimed at installing 24-hour police-accessible video monitoring systems throughout Yerevan. Human Rights Watch has condemned this initiative as unjustified, warning it infringes on privacy rights and poses a threat to civil liberties. If enacted, private businesses would need to install cameras and provide police live feeds, raising concerns about mass surveillance in a democratic society. This proposed legislation, initiated by the Interior Ministry, necessitates changes to nine existing laws under the guise of enhancing public space security. It mandates that numerous private sectors, including banks and retailers, must implement continuous video surveillance, allowing police unrestricted access to recordings. Officials suggest utilizing AI for analyzing the footage, further intensifying privacy concerns. Opposition to the bill emerges from various Armenian institutions, including the Justice Ministry and Data Protection Agency, which label the proposal as excessive and intrusive. Despite widespread criticism, the government remains steadfast, intending to push through with a parliamentary vote by year’s end. Critics insist any surveillance must comply with international human rights standards and call for a public justification of the bill’s objectives. The UN has highlighted the potential rights violations stemming from indiscriminate surveillance, urging that such measures must not disproportionately infringe on individual freedoms. Moreover, the prospect of using AI technologies for surveillance raises alarms about exacerbating the chilling effects on rights like assembly and expression. The government must encapsulate effective oversight and accountability measures in light of these threats to civil liberties. Armenia is bound by international treaties safeguarding privacy and personal data, dictating that any restrictions must be legal, necessary, and proportionate. Legal frameworks must ensure that privacy infringements seek concrete, legitimate objectives not outweighed by adverse consequences. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that monitoring must target specific threats to public safety to justify its intrusive nature.
The surveillance bill proposed by the Armenian government includes mandatory video cameras in public spaces, accessible by police at all times. This initiative has ignited significant concern about privacy and civil rights, as many feel it extends beyond justified security measures into harmful territory. Many organizations, including Human Rights Watch, argue that such mass surveillance cannot be justified within a democratic framework and threatens fundamental freedoms.
In summary, the proposed surveillance bill in Armenia raises serious alarms regarding privacy and civil liberties. Human Rights Watch and various state institutions advocate for the suspension of the bill until it aligns with international standards. The government’s push for this legislation, despite widespread pushback, highlights an urgent need for transparent discussions surrounding citizens’ rights and state authority.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
