The University of Montana Now Has More Than 300 AI Cameras

University Of Montana Has More Than 300 AI-Powered Cameras On Campus

As students returned to campus in Missoula, they may have noticed more than 300 cameras with artificial intelligence capabilities operating around the University of Montana.

The cameras have been installed in places including the Oval, across campus, and in common areas of residence halls, but not everyone is happy about.

University Of Montana Says Its AI Cameras Don't Use Facial Recognition

According to the Montana Kaimin, the cameras were installed by Verkada, a security technology company that provides systems for large organizations and businesses.

UM Police Chief Brad Giffin says the cameras were installed to help improve safety and allow police to respond more efficiently, especially during emergencies or large events.

These cameras are constantly recording and can also use AI to identify things like a person's clothing or help spot potential medical emergencies.

Thankfully, there's one important limitation. Giffin told the Montana Kaimin that the university is not using facial recognition, so the cameras aren't identifying people by their faces.

Angel TSM-Missoula

Verkada Cameras Have Faced A Major Security Breach In The Past

For a lot of students and parents, though, privacy is still a major concern, especially because there wasn't a formal announcement about the cameras before they were installed.

One student told the Kaimin that he wasn't comfortable knowing cameras had been put up around campus, especially without his knowledge.

And the cameras aren't exactly coming from a company with a spotless history. Back in 2021, hackers gained access to more than 150,000 Verkada cameras around the world. That included cameras in schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Giffin did reiterate that a similar breach at UM would allow someone to view camera footage, but it would not give them personally protected information about the people being recorded.

If I were a student at UM, I'm not sure I'd find that explanation very reassuring.