Vancouver Olympics security cameras raise privacy concerns

The RCMP plans to install hundreds of closed-circuit television cameras for security during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, CBC News has learned.

Under the plan, cameras would be placed at approximately 100 Olympic sites, including both athletic and public celebration venues.

David Loukadelis, British Columbia's privacy commissioner, said he has been assured the images from those cameras will be available only to key people.

Using extraordinary measures to keep diplomats and athletes safe is reasonable for a special event, said Loukadelis, but he is concerned that once the Games are over, those cameras might remain and become a unreasonable infringement on everyday privacy rights.

"I would be reluctant [if] the surveillance equipment gets left behind and starts getting used for ordinary law enforcement purposes," Loukadelis told the CBC.

Following the Olympics in Sydney, many closed-circuit TV cameras were left in place after the Games were finished, Loukadelis warned.

The 2010 Olympics will run from Feb. 12-28. Events will take place across Metro Vancouver and Whistler, B.C.