© Mike Carroccetto /The Ottawa CitizenSophisticated cameras and microphones will put passengers at the Ottawa airport under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Canada, Ottawa - Sections of the Ottawa airport are now wired with microphones that can eavesdrop on travellers' conversations.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is nearing completion of a $500,000 upgrade of old video cameras used to monitor its new "customs controlled areas," including the primary inspection area for arriving international passengers.
As part of the work, the agency is introducing audio-monitoring equipment as well.
"It is important to note that even though audio technology is installed, no audio is recorded at this time. It will become functional at a later date," CBSA spokesman Chris Kealey said in a written statement.
But whenever that occurs, the technology, "will record conversations," the agency said in a separate statement in response to Citizen questions.
Meanwhile, as many as 88 of the new high-definition video cameras are to be ready this summer.
Once the Ottawa equipment is activated, signs will be posted referring passersby to a "privacy notice" that will be posted on the CBSA website, and to a separate help line explaining how the recordings will be used, stored, disclosed and retained.
Comment: Whenever you read that "no group claimed responsibility" or "a previously unknown group claimed responsibility", note that this is the hallmark of state terrorist activities:
The British Empire - A Lesson In State Terrorism