The Ottawa Citizen reports that Canadian airports may soon be tightening airport security by using video and audio equipment to monitor employee and traveler conversations. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says that the recording technology will be used to improve "border integrity, infrastructure and asset security and health and safety." The Ottawa Citizen notes, though, that the increased surveillance may be tied to CBSA efforts to combat organized crime and smuggling within the country's airports.

The audio and video devices are currently installed, but not recording, in some unidentified airports and border points, but won't be used until the CBSA runs a non-binding "privacy impact assessment" to determine the effect on passenger privacy. Once they're enabled, signs will notify travelers and provide a phone number explaining more about the purpose and security of the recordings — perfect for reassuring the concerned passenger.