Ontario Privacy Commissioner Examining Potential Investigation into Facial Detection Technology in Toronto
November 13, 2025 — Concerns over privacy and surveillance are mounting as a series of video billboards embedded with facial detection cameras have been installed in Toronto’s PATH system, a busy underground pedestrian network. The Ontario Privacy Commissioner is currently examining the situation and considering whether to open a formal investigation into the matter.
Facial Detection Billboards in Toronto’s PATH
The video billboards are equipped with technology designed to collect data on pedestrians, including counting foot traffic and estimating the age and sex of individuals passing by. According to the company responsible for the billboards, the data captured is anonymous and deleted within milliseconds, emphasizing that no personally identifiable information is stored.
Despite these assurances, privacy advocates and experts have raised concerns about the potential implications of this technology. Questions arise about how the data is used, stored, and protected, along with the broader issues of informed consent and individuals’ right to privacy in public spaces.
Rising Privacy Concerns
Many pedestrians have expressed discomfort upon learning that their age and gender are being estimated and recorded without explicit consent. Some have described the practice as intrusive and likened it to unauthorized surveillance. The phrase “I didn’t sign up for this” has circulated in community discussions, highlighting the public’s unease.
Privacy experts point to the need for greater transparency and strict regulatory oversight to ensure that such technologies do not infringe on individual rights. They urge more public consultation and clear guidelines on data use to prevent potential misuse.
Response from the Ontario Privacy Commissioner
The Ontario Privacy Commissioner’s office has confirmed it is “examining the potential for an investigation” to determine whether the deployment of facial detection technology on these billboards complies with provincial privacy laws. This signals a willingness by regulatory authorities to scrutinize emerging digital surveillance technologies, particularly in urban environments where large numbers of people are impacted.
Broader Context
This development is part of a growing global debate on the use of facial recognition and facial detection technologies in public and commercial spaces. While proponents argue these technologies can enhance business analytics and security, critics warn about risks such as mass surveillance, data breaches, and erosion of civil liberties.
Toronto’s PATH system, with its heavy daily foot traffic, presents a significant test case for balancing innovation with privacy protection.
As the inquiry progresses, further updates will be provided regarding findings and any regulatory action that may follow.
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