Rules that govern how public servants handle potentially explicit photographs taken by traffic cameras could be reviewed after a top civil liberties advocate warned the “sexual privacy rights” of female drivers in Queensland could be at risk.
Key points:
- A civil liberties advocate wants Queensland to ensure female drivers’ privacy is protected when photographed by traffic cameras
- A woman’s underwear was clearly visible in an image taken by a NSW traffic camera
- Transport Minister Mark Bailey is open to changing the rules
The traffic cameras are on a tower and photograph drivers and passengers as part of a campaign cracking down on seatbelts and illegal mobile phone use.
Similar cameras came under scrutiny this week after a New South Wales woman complained after she was sent a photo clearly showing her underwear alongside a fine for using a mobile phone.
Queensland Council of Civil Liberties vice-president Terry O’Gorman has warned women may already be losing their privacy.
NSW reviews cameras
The New South Wales Minister for Roads Natalie Ward ordered a review of privacy protocols but the Queensland Department of Transport has previously declined to follow suit.
A spokeswoman defended the process in Queensland, saying the photos were only viewed by authorised staff, and were treated in line with the state’s privacy principles.
Advocate calls for stronger rules
Mr O’Gorman said public servants in Queensland and elsewhere have been prosecuted for accessing databases to find details of women “so they can approach them and ask them out”.
He said there needed to be stronger rules, overseen by the Privacy Commissioner, to guarantee male staff were not able to view or access photos of female drivers.
“It is inevitable that some male public servants will in effect start perving on these pictures,” he said.
Under department rules, photos taken by the cameras are first analysed by an artificial intelligence program that detects possible offences.
The images are then viewed by staff in the Queensland Revenue Office, who decide whether a fine is given.
A Transport Department spokeswoman said only photos showing an offence were stored.
Mr O’Gorman said that could be “equally a problem”.
“No-one should accept any assurances from the minister or any state government department heads here that the privacy issues are working properly,” he said.
“They’re not working properly in New South Wales, you can take it almost as a given they’re not working properly in Queensland.”
State body found ‘risks associated’
The state’s Office of the Information Commissioner was consulted as the laws were being developed.
A spokeswoman said it found “there was some risks associated with the use of the cameras, including the photographing of images of this nature”, but noted the department had taken steps to limit access.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the cameras were introduced to Queensland “with a cautious and conservative approach to privacy” but after multiple enquiries, said a review would be discussed.
“I’m happy to consider any advice the Privacy Commissioner may provide if there is a need for the current privacy regulations to be strengthened,” he said.
He said he would now work with the Transport Department on possible changes.