Camera network
Session: 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Date: 2025-05-14 15:44
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Nelson’s fourth question addressed the nature and legal basis of a network of public space cameras. The discussion centered on criticism arising from Madis Hindre's article, "A Database Even the Prime Minister Didn’t Know About: Cameras Record 20 Million License Plates Each Month," which stated that the network collects data on all traffic participants, not just offenders, and that there is a lack of a clear legal basis. A common emphasis was placed on the fact that data collection and recording must occur according to law, which stipulates what data is collected, who has access, how long it is stored, and how it is subsequently deleted. Representatives of legal and data protection authorities confirmed that the practice is not legally justifiable and needs to be rectified. Consequently, the Minister of the Interior announced the suspension of the camera network’s use until a legal basis exists and a thorough debate begins.
The second part of the discussion focused on the issue of responsibility and the future framework: if similar technology is used in the future, there must be clear rules that protect privacy and intimacy while simultaneously enabling effective crime detection. The discussion proceeded to examine how and under what conditions data is collected, who has access to it, and how it is deleted. Generally, the need was emphasized to establish a future legal framework in collaboration with the government and parliament, which would direct both technological development and the balancing of fundamental freedoms.
Decisions Made 1
Halt the use of camera networks until a clear legal basis and public debate have been established regarding it; subsequently, discuss within the legislature what rules and restrictions apply to the collection, access, use, and deletion of data gathered in public spaces; the goal is to find a socially legitimate solution that protects privacy while enabling the improvement of crime detection.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was ehjpLK1FIak, who represents the government (as prime minister). His participation and substantive, forceful emphasis on the necessity of a legal framework and future debate demonstrate his role as a leading party in the discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid is submitting a question to Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding the camera network.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stated that the network of 175 cameras records the data of everyone moving through the area and takes approximately 20 million license plate photos per month without any legal basis. He emphasized the need for clear legislation and questioned whether such a system is reasonable at all.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the use of cameras in public spaces must have a clear legal basis and strict regulation defining who has access to the data, how it is processed, and how it is deleted. This issue will lead to a debate in parliament, utilizing the preliminary work compiled by the Ministry of the Interior and the Data Protection Inspectorate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and asks Varro Vooglaid to present a clarifying question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid deplores the fact that a massive camera network was built secretly and without any legal basis. He calls on the Prime Minister to explain who is responsible and what legal framework is being established, and questions whether the path forward is to deepen the surveillance society or to focus on finding accountability.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that clear and justified rules must be established for the use of data and surveillance collected in public spaces, ensuring individual privacy and freedom while balancing this with the need to detect serious crimes, and awaiting the final report from the Data Protection Inspectorate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [the previous speaker] and offered Varro Vooglaid the opportunity for a supplementary question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanks the Chair, reiterates the previous question regarding accountability, and notes that we still have different values—and that is true.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister said that sometimes the answer is yes.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that state power may only be exercised on the basis of the Constitution and laws consistent with it, and that personal data collected and processed through a massive network of cameras without a legal basis is clearly contrary to the principle of the rule of law. He then asks who should be held accountable for this massive violation—the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) or the Ministry of the Interior?
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that privacy is a fundamental right and that the activities of public authorities must be clearly regulated. He also called for a forward-looking debate to precisely clarify the conditions for the use of cameras and data collection, in order to determine who makes which decisions and who has access to the data.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman expresses his thanks and announces that today's fourth item has been concluded.