Carmaker silent on whether AI system will transmit driver data to authorities

Volvo is not commenting about whether its sophisticated AI-powered driving monitoring system will transmit driver data to authorities.

The Swedish carmaker announced last month it has invested in CorrActions, an Israeli startup which is developing technology that can detect a driver’s cognitive state. Through sensors built into the steering wheel and driver seat, the system will monitor a driver’s micromovements. An AI algorithm will then translate those muscle movements and detect whether the driver is intoxicated, tired, distracted or anxious.

CorrActions CEO Ilan Reingold says the driver monitoring system can determine a driver’s cognitive state with 90% accuracy and zero false positives.

While being able to detect a driver’s state of mind has clear safety benefits, questions arise about whether authorities or insurance companies will demand such data in the event of a collision. If a driver is determined to have been tired or distracted — which could include holding a coffee, smoking a cigarette or adjusting a car setting — it could potentially sway the outcome of an insurance dispute or police investigation.

Neither Volvo nor CorrActions, however, responded to Frontline News about whether there have been discussions about submitting driver data to authorities — but the likelihood is strong.

Artificial intelligence is already being used in surveillance tech to monitor drivers, even if not their cognitive state.

Israel police this year are starting trials on a sophisticated AI-driven system which will use sensors to capture traffic violators and issue automatic fines. The sensors, which will be placed along Israeli roads, will scan for drivers who use their phone while driving (even at a red light), fail to give the right of way at a crosswalk, crossing a solid white line, holding a drink while driving, or other violations. 

The wireless data captured by a combination of sensors and smart cameras will be sent to an advanced central processing computer for decoding, and a fine will be issued to the driver in minutes. The fine will be accompanied by video footage as evidence. 

Israel’s police force has shown enthusiasm for AI-based surveillance, regardless of its legality.

Frontline News reported last year that the police are refusing to disclose a secret algorithm being used to profile and detain passengers at the airport who have no criminal history and provide no cause for suspicion. Israeli courts have expressed concern about the artificial intelligence program which raises several legal issues. 

According to a report by Calcalist, the program gathers private information about citizens from government ministries, including databases from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Welfare, the Tax Authority and others. The algorithm then compiles the data, which may include socioeconomic status, marital status, relatives, etc. and matches them against a pre-determined criminal profile. It is unclear what significance the algorithm assigns to certain data.  

If there is a match, even if there is no criminal history, the passenger is detained at the airport by police before passing through border control. The reason for the detention is known only to the police officers, who then conduct a search of the passenger’s luggage and may also conduct an invasive body search.