Guns are a hot topic of debate in many countries. While many people view guns as a way to protect themselves, others see them as dangerous to society. However, in recent years, gunshot detection systems have become more common as a way to reduce gun violence.

In fact, the CityofCT is consulting with SAPS to introduce the technology to the City along with aerial surveillance, drones, CCTV, bodycams, dashcams and other technologies.

Still, these systems come with data privacy risks that you shouldn’t ignore.

If you are a vendor or customer of gunshot detection systems, it’s crucial to be aware of the data privacy risks of these systems. This post will explore these risks and provide practical steps that you can take to protect personal data and privacy rights.

Introducing gunshot detection systems

Gunshot detection systems are a type of technology that is designed to detect and locate the sound of gunshots. They’re also know as gunfire locators.

How they work

These systems use advanced sensors and algorithms to analyse the acoustic signature of gunshots and provide real-time alerts to law enforcement and other first responders.

Law enforcement typically places the sensors at strategic locations throughout public areas, such as city streets, parks, and schools. When the sensors detect a gunshot, they can pinpoint the location of the sound and provide detailed information to first responders, including the number of shots fired and a prediction of the type of weapon fired.

Who relies on these systems?

Law enforcement agencies primarily use gunshot detection systems. The aim is to improve the response time of law enforcement to potential gun violence, ultimately reducing the number of fatalities and injuries.

These systems have become popular recently due to the increasing number of mass shootings and gun violence incidents in public areas. They are designed to provide real-time alerts to law enforcement and other first responders, helping to reduce response time and potentially save lives. As a result, many cities and organisations have implemented gunshot detection systems as part of their public safety strategy.

Causes for concern

  1. Data privacy: As mentioned earlier, the collection and processing of personal data by these systems pose significant privacy risks, which may—in turn—violate laws like POPIA. Using audio recordings and location data can be intrusive and violate individuals’ rights to privacy.
  2. Accuracy: These systems are not always accurate and can generate false alarms, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary panic.
  3. Cost: The implementation and maintenance of gunshot detection systems can be expensive, with costs ranging from tens of thousands to millions of rand.
  4. Bias: There is concern that using gunshot detection systems could perpetuate racial bias and profiling, as these systems are often deployed in communities of colour.
  5. Effectiveness: Some experts argue that gunshot detection systems are ineffective in reducing gun violence and may even divert resources from more effective solutions, such as community-based violence prevention programs.

Focusing on the data privacy risks

Gunshot detection systems can pose significant risks to data privacy due to collecting and processing personal data. These risks can affect both individuals and organisations that are using or have access to these systems.

Audio recordings

One of the primary data privacy risks associated with gunshot detection systems is the collection of audio recordings. These systems are designed to detect and analyse the sound of gunshots, which often involves recording audio. This audio data can contain personal information about individuals, including conversations, movements, and other identifiable information. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for nefarious purposes, such as stalking, blackmail, or other malicious activities.

Location data

Additionally, gunshot detection systems may also collect location data, which can be used to track the movements of individuals in public areas. This information can be sensitive and reveal personal information about individuals, such as their daily routines or places they frequent. As a result, there is a potential risk of mass surveillance and other privacy violations.

Storing and sharing data

The storage and sharing of data collected by gunshot detection systems also pose privacy risks. This data can be stored in a centralised database and accessed by authorised individuals, including law enforcement agencies. However, if proper data protection measures are not in place, this data can be vulnerable to unauthorised access, hacking, or other security breaches. Moreover, if the data is shared with third-party vendors or other organisations, it can be used for unintended purposes or without appropriate privacy safeguards.

Conducting a privacy impact assessment for gunshot detection systems

Conducting a privacy impact assessment (PIA) is essential in identifying and mitigating the privacy risks associated with gunshot detection systems. A PIA is a systematic process for evaluating a project or system’s potential privacy risks and impacts and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.

Here are some steps you can take to conduct a PIA for gunshot detection systems:

  1. Identify the personal data the system collects: This data includes any audio recordings, location data, and timestamps.
  2. Assess the purpose of the data collection: Determine why the system collects it and what it will use the data for.
  3. Identify the potential privacy risks: Consider the privacy risks associated with the system’s collection, storage, and use of personal data. This includes risks related to data security, data accuracy, and potential for misuse.
  4. Identify stakeholders and consult with them: Identify all stakeholders who may be impacted by the system, including members of the public, law enforcement agencies, and government officials. Consult with these stakeholders to get their input on the privacy risks associated with the system.
  5. Develop strategies to mitigate privacy risks: Develop strategies to reduce privacy risks identified in the PIA. This process may include limiting data collection, implementing strict access controls, and ensuring individuals control their personal data.
  6. Monitor and review the system: Once implemented, monitor it regularly to ensure it complies with privacy laws and regulations. In addition, conduct periodic reviews to identify any new privacy risks or issues that may arise.

How vendors & customers can manage the data privacy risks

Vendors

As a vendor, it’s essential to consider the privacy risks of your products and services.

To mitigate these risks, you should consider implementing strong privacy protections and safeguards for your systems. These include limiting data collection, implementing strict access controls, and ensuring individuals can access and control their personal data.

Customers

As a customer, it’s crucial to know the privacy risks of using the system.

The potential for mass surveillance and tracking the movements of individuals can be a significant violation of privacy rights. Therefore, conducting a privacy impact assessment before implementing these systems is crucial. This assessment will help you to identify any potential privacy risks associated with the system and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

Plus, you should ensure that your vendors comply with privacy laws and regulations. This step includes reading the vendor’s privacy policy, verifying that they’ve implemented adequate data protection measures, and identifying whether they’re transparent about the data their system collects.

Actions you can take next