In Western Australia, IVMS 2.0 (In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems) cameras have become increasingly popular, especially in commercial vehicles such as light vehicles, trucks and large Caterpillar dump trucks. These cameras are designed to enhance safety by monitoring drivers and their behaviour on the road. However, as with any new technology, there are concerns and questions surrounding their use.

Here are some frequently asked questions and concerns about IVMS 2.0 cameras on vehicles in Western Australia.

Q1. With cameras, does that mean you are monitored 24/7?

No, IVMS 2.0 cameras only record when an alarm is detected. The recorded footage is checked for security purposes. To detect drowsy or distracted driving, monitor lane keeping, and detect collisions or stop signs. Live streaming is enabled for camera diagnostic or security purposes only and the camera cannot listen.

Q2. Are conversations recorded?

No, IVMS 2.0 camera microphones are disabled to respect your privacy and comply with Australian law which requires consent from all parties before recording. The camera cannot record audio, and there is no way to recover audio from either party, regardless of the circumstances.

Q3. What is this camera for and what does it do?

The IVMS 2.0 camera is a safety device that uses advanced AI technology to monitor the road ahead and inside the cab. It warns drivers if they become drowsy or distracted, recognises local speed limits, monitors lane keeping, collisions, stop signs and more. When alerts are detected, footage and other metrics (speed, location, etc.) are uploaded to the Digicore interface for review in the form of short videos of the event. This provides video footage as much-needed context to captured events, helping the management team better understand why a particular event occurred. Drivers can also use the camera’s panic button to trigger/record events that may be happening in front of them.

Q4. Will I be able to watch the video and audio live or immediately after the incident?

Videos of events captured by the AI detection algorithm are uploaded directly to the interface for review. Email and SMS notifications can be set up when these event occur.

Note: NO audio is captured at any time with our cameras to adhere to Australian privacy laws.

It is also possible to view the camera live but no audio is available. Audio is completely deactivated on all Digicore units. It is Digicore’s advice that this power to view live is limited, and is only utilised in the event of an impact/rollover detection or panic button activation, as a means to assess the situation.

In the event of live streaming being activated there is an in-cab audio notification stating “live streaming started”. There is also an in-cab notification when the live view is disabled stating “live streaming stopped”. These notifications ensure that the driver is aware when live streaming is in operation.  

Q5. Do teams and operators have to sign an approval or agreement form?

This is at the company’s discretion and how it handles information from its employees. It is beneficial to educate all employees and operators, including managers and team leaders, with a safety management plan or training to understand how cameras work, their purpose, and how they can help improve safety.

IVMS 2.0 cameras in Western Australia fall under the Surveillance Equipment Act 1998 (WA). The law stipulates that it is illegal to use equipment to film or monitor private activities without the consent of the participants in the activity. However, construction sites are not classified as private activities and cameras and all information are the exclusive property of the company.

Surveillance Devices Act 1998 (WA). In WA, it is against the law to use a device to record or monitor the private conversation of another without their consent. It is also against the law to use a device to film or observe a private activity without consent of the participants of that activity. These laws apply regardless of whether or not you are a part of the conversation or activity. In WA it is illegal to publish a conversation or activity that has been secretly recorded with a device or to send that recording to others without the consent of all parties involved in the conversation or activity. Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Western Australia Act 1996 (WA).

In Conclusion

These cameras are like security cameras that are used for safety and insurance purposes, clearly and effectively communicate to all employees that the cameras are being used explicitly for safety purposes and incidents. You should be reassured that you are being monitored only if an incident occurs.

In summary, IVMS 2.0 cameras are designed to improve road safety and are not intended to invade people’s privacy. They play a key role in reducing road accidents and fatalities in Western Australia. However, companies must make sure their employees are aware of the use of these cameras and clearly and effectively communicate the purpose and intent of their use. Proper implementation and use of IVMS 2.0 cameras can contribute to a safer driving experience for everyone. 

Article written by Kyri Christodoulou