The Armenian government’s surveillance bill is raising international concerns around privacy rights. Human Rights Watch warns that increased surveillance could undermine civil liberties. The legislation proposes extensive video monitoring in public spaces with police access, urging that it does not meet human rights standards. Experts emphasize the need for limitations on such measures to protect individual freedoms and privacy.
Armenia’s proposed surveillance bill is stirring substantial international alarm regarding the implications for privacy rights and civil liberties. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed that the introduction of surveillance systems in public areas could lead to a deterrence of fundamental rights like assembly, association, and expression. The inclusion of AI analytics heightens these dangers, as widespread video surveillance can intrude unjustifiably on personal privacy, challenging its justification in a democratic society. According to HRW’s Giorgi Gogia, mass surveillance in public spaces would infringe on essential civil and political rights, urging the Armenian authorities to either abandon or pause the bill until it aligns with international human rights standards. HRW recommends consulting the Venice Commission, given Armenia’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. This bill would require extensive video surveillance systems with 24-hour police access in Yerevan, the capital. It seeks to amend nine laws supposedly to enhance public safety. The legislation mandates various private entities like banks and retail shops to install CCTV systems providing live footage to authorities, requiring high-resolution recording, night vision, and a retention period of at least 15 days. Post-enactment, entities must establish comprehensive video surveillance covering all building entrances. Initially proposed by the Interior Ministry, the government approved the bill in April 2024, and it passed its first parliamentary review by June 2024, with a vote set for year’s end. Armenia’s Data Protection Agency has voiced concerns, noting the amendments would enable unbridled processing of personal data, leading to significant privacy violations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also criticized the broad application of surveillance systems, advocating that such measures should be aimed at specific threats to public safety. EU experts highlight the urgency of enforcing strict controls on AI-driven surveillance to safeguard individual liberties. While the draft lacks explicit mentions of biometric or algorithmic surveillance, the deputy interior minister hinted at plans to leverage AI for CCTV footage analysis, mirroring practices seen in countries like China and South Korea, where such technologies are often justified for public safety.
The rise of surveillance technology has become an increasing point of concern globally, often pitted against individual privacy rights. As governments pursue enhanced security measures, especially in urban areas, the balance between safety and the preservation of civil liberties is delicate. The Armenian government’s proposed surveillance bill aims for tightened security within Yerevan but raises serious questions about the implications for personal privacy and rights. Under international law, such surveillance must adhere to standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality to prevent abuse.
The proposed surveillance bill in Armenia has triggered significant alarm regarding its potential infringement on privacy rights and civil liberties. Human Rights Watch and international bodies have urged the Armenian government to rethink its approach, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to human rights standards. As surveillance technology becomes more pervasive, the balance between security and civil liberties remains a critical challenge for democracies worldwide.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
