Punjab’s new Safe City Camera feature in the public safety app has sparked privacy concerns, with critics warning it could turn citizens’ phones into surveillance tools without adequate safeguards.
Safe City Camera Feature Raises Oversight Concerns
A recent update to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) app introduces a live-streaming function that allows users to transmit real-time footage from their mobile phone cameras directly to the Safe City control room during emergencies. The feature activates after a user calls the emergency helpline 15 and receives a secure link to begin streaming. Officials say the tool will help verify incidents quickly and improve emergency response times.
Potential for Surveillance Overreach
While the feature is designed for emergency use, critics argue it could be misused or expanded beyond its intended scope. Pakistan’s existing Safe City infrastructure already includes widespread surveillance tools such as traffic cameras, license plate readers, and facial recognition systems. Without clear legal boundaries, the addition of mobile live feeds risks turning personal devices into surveillance tools.
Concerns include the possibility of indiscriminate filming in public spaces, unauthorized recording of private moments, and the potential for footage to be stored, shared, or leaked without consent. The lack of transparency around data retention and access protocols further compounds these risks.
Calls for Stronger Privacy Safeguards
Experts emphasize that real-time video can be valuable in emergencies — such as crimes, accidents, or medical incidents — but only if governed by strict oversight. They recommend a framework that includes:
- Clear criteria for when live streams can be initiated
- Legally defined retention limits for stored footage
- Transparent logs of who accesses video data
- Penalties for unauthorized use or sharing
- Independent audits of system usage and compliance
Without these protections, the feature could shift from a public safety tool to a mechanism for mass surveillance, eroding trust and personal privacy.
Read related news here: https://thepublicpurview.com/category/pakistan-news/regional/
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