Human Rights Watch has criticized Armenia’s surveillance bill, which requires private entities to install cameras for police use. They argue this will infringe on privacy and civil rights. Despite criticism from various state bodies, the Armenian government plans to vote on the bill soon. Calls for analysis from the Venice Commission have been made, yet the government remains silent on the issue.
Human Rights Watch has expressed serious concerns over a new surveillance bill in Armenia that mandates private entities in Yerevan to install surveillance cameras and give police access to live feeds and recordings. Giorgi Gogia, the associate director at Human Rights Watch, highlighted that such widespread surveillance could violate privacy rights and is unjustified in a democratic society. He emphasized, “Mass surveillance in public spaces would have a chilling effect on fundamental civil and political rights.” The surveillance systems proposed are designed to collect personal data about individuals’ identities and movements, which raises alarms regarding privacy infringement. Human Rights Watch stressed the need for stringent limitations on such data collection, referencing consensus among international bodies regarding privacy rights. Criticism has also emerged from Armenia’s Data Protection Agency, Justice Ministry, Ombudsperson’s Office, and the Central Bank. Despite these substantial critiques, the Armenian government intends to proceed with voting on the bill this year. In August, Human Rights Watch reached out to key government figures for clarification on the potential implications of the bill but received no response. Concerns have also been raised regarding the possible use of artificial intelligence for surveillance monitoring, which can lead to misidentification of individuals. Human Rights Watch reiterated that even the presence of video surveillance in public domains can suppress basic rights such as freedom of assembly, expression, and privacy. The organization emphasized the need for the Armenian government to reevaluate this bill, suggesting that consulting the Venice Commission would be a crucial step. Government officials have not yet addressed the backlash against the bill, which was first proposed in December 2022 and advanced in April 2024, aiming for a parliamentary vote by year’s end.
The Armenian surveillance bill aims to enhance government monitoring capabilities by requiring the installation of surveillance cameras across private entities in Yerevan. This initiative has sparked substantial clamor regarding privacy rights, laying bare a tension between state security and individual freedoms. International law and human rights bodies advocate for privacy protections, warning against the dangers of mass surveillance that could lead to authoritarian practices. The current legislative push occurs amidst broader discussions on the implications of technology, including artificial intelligence, in public domains.
In conclusion, the Armenian surveillance bill has ignited significant concern from both national and international actors regarding its implications for privacy and civil liberties. Human Rights Watch has articulated the potential chilling effects of such measures, urging the government to reconsider the legislation. With calls for a thorough analysis and a plea for protection of fundamental rights, the outcome of the parliamentary vote looms with potential ramifications for the country’s democratic framework.
Original Source: www.azatutyun.am
