Snooping Fears Take The Shine Off Smart Lampposts

The government said on Tuesday it's decided not to switch on some of the controversial functions of new smart lampposts that collect data of the surroundings, until privacy concerns have been properly addressed.

Some people are worried that some of the functions of these new lampposts can be used to spy on them.

Fifty new multi-functional lampposts have been installed so far as part of a pilot project in Kwun Tong and Kai Tak, and with their LED lighting system they're more environmentally friendly than traditional lampposts.

But as well as the lights, they've got various built-in sensors and cameras which can be used to monitor traffic flow, air quality and the weather. It can also give information about the location through bluetooth facility and also used to spot illegal waste dumping.

But this has also raised concerns over potential privacy breaches.

Tony Wong, an assistant chief information officer, said the government understands these concerns, and it's now putting on hold some of the more controversial applications, including identifying illegal dumping and car licence plate.

"All these will not be launched until we have public consensus," said Wong, adding that district councils will be consulted before any of the lampposts are put up in their areas.

Wong said traffic photos that were taken will be turned into low-definition ones before they are transferred, making it impossible to identify faces and licence plates.

And the images won't be stored, he added.

Asked whether the government will provide the data collected from the lampposts to the police for investigations, Wong said no third parties will have access to the information, other than the departments directly responsible.

Wong said the government will soon set up a committee comprising of experts and other stakeholders to gauge public views over the matter.

The lamposts will also be used to monitor weather and air pollution.