Israel's roads have earned a reputation for being particularly hazardous, largely due to a pervasive culture of drivers disregarding traffic rules. From excessive speeding and aggressive overtaking to the widespread neglect of seatbelt usage and the persistent issue of distracted driving, Israel has a significantly high rate of traffic accidents. The lack of adherence to road safety regulations not only endangers the lives of the drivers themselves but also puts pedestrians and other road users at grave risk, creating a critical need for stricter enforcement and widespread public awareness campaigns.
This had led to needless deaths on its roads, perhaps the reason behind Israel's traffic police's new "Hawk-Eye" traffic enforcement project.
Israeli police are already utilizing Chinese-made license plate recognition (LPR) cameras for this project. This usage is concerning because these cameras, manufactured by Dahua and Hikvision, have been blacklisted by the US and other Western countries due to national security concerns.
In fact, the Amsterdam Municipality announced plans to replace nearly 1,300 Chinese-made city cameras within five years due to espionage concerns and suspicions of human rights violations by China. Because of these serious concerns, Israeli defense companies like Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are also mandated to avoid using these cameras, as reported by Globes. Alarmingly, Israel police have nonetheless covered our roads with these cameras.
Market Domination by Chinese Firms
As reported by JPost, Dahua and Hikvision hold a significant share of the global security camera market, raising questions about potential Chinese government influence. Both companies have faced sanctions from several Western nations due to these concerns.
Privacy Issues and Data Retention
The Israeli Civil Rights Association (ACRI) is highly concerned about the system's data collection practices. According to ACRI, the cameras capture not only license plates but also close-up vehicle images, potentially revealing drivers and passengers. Additionally, ACRI is critical of the two-year data retention policy, allowing police to store endless information on innocent citizens.
Security vs. Privacy
Israel Police maintain that they will prioritize data security and prevent information leaks. Hikvision has emphasized their product's compliance with Israeli cybersecurity regulations and international standards.
ACRI Challenges Legality
ACRI plans to challenge the legislation permitting data retention through the Supreme Court. They argue that the system operates without proper oversight and for broad purposes beyond those of investigating serious crimes.
Uncertain Future of Facial Recognition
While current cameras lack facial recognition capabilities, the Israeli government has previously expressed support for implementing such technology.
While authorities tout the technology's effectiveness and adherence to data security protocols, concerns linger about the influence of a foreign government and the broad scope of data collection. As ACRI pursues legal action, Israel is left to navigate the trade-off between public safety and individual liberties in an increasingly tech-driven world.