Encamp Parish Awards €109K AI Surveillance Contract, Sparking Data Protection Backlash

Encamp parish council has formally awarded a contract worth over €109,000 for an AI-powered video surveillance platform, reigniting debate over its compliance with data protection laws despite earlier assurances of full regulatory adherence.

The adjudication, published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA) on 14 May, covers servers to manage cameras across Encamp and Pas de la Casa. Awarded to Avaton AC2D SLU following a public tender, the project carries a four-week execution timeline and up to six years of service. It aims to integrate advanced AI tools for modernising security services, focusing on image management and detection of uncivil behaviour such as littering.

The move has drawn fresh criticism from activist Josep Guirao and others, who question whether the rollout meets data protection requirements. They argue it demands prior consultations with the Andorran Data Protection Agency for high-risk data processing, including rigorous impact assessments to safeguard fundamental rights. This follows the agency's recent dismissal of a complaint by Pirates, which was archived as the system was not yet operational—a decision critics say undermines preventive oversight. Pirates has appointed Emili Campos as their lawyer.

These concerns echo opposition calls during a recent council session, where minority councillor Marta Pujol urged a specific local ordinance to regulate AI use amid Encamp's extensive camera network. She highlighted unresolved queries despite requests for reports from the Data Protection Agency and Information Systems Commission, stressing risks beyond facial or biometric recognition that require human rights protections. While acknowledging the value of tools against incivisme, Pujol insisted on proportionate, guaranteed measures and expressed disappointment at the lack of planned rules.

Governing team members rebutted the need for new ordinances. Minor consul Xavier Fernàndez prioritised data protection, noting all initiatives face review by the national video surveillance digital commission. Major consul Laura Mas clarified the system avoids indiscriminate monitoring, free image access or downloads, and explicitly excludes facial or biometric identification—serving only to streamline footage handling and incident spotting. Officials pointed to the dismissal of a prior complaint and alignment with existing laws. Pujol maintained that applicable regulations should at least exist.