Employing AI Technologies to Review CCTV Recordings to Uncover Wrongdoing in Preschools

63 Mr Ng Shi Xuan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in respect of the mandatory installation of CCTVs in preschools, whether the Ministry will consider (i) the use of AI technologies to review CCTV recordings to proactively uncover wrongdoing and (ii) mandating the installation of tamper-proof recording systems to prevent unauthorised deletions and alterations.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: My response will address the question on the implementation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras filed by Mr Ng Shi Xuan. Mr Darryl David has also filed a related question¹ for oral answer at a subsequent Sitting and may wish to withdraw his question after this session.

All preschools must install CCTV cameras and comply with Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA's) regulatory requirements on the installation and maintenance of cameras and the collection, storage and submission of footage. While ECDA does not prescribe the type of CCTV camera system that must be installed, for example, whether it must be a tamper-proof recording system, preschools must provide CCTV footage when requested by ECDA to facilitate investigations. ECDA will take firm action against errant operators or individuals who fail to meet our regulatory requirements. Individuals who refuse to provide the required CCTV footage without reasonable excuse or have tampered with or destroyed CCTV footage can be found guilty of having committed an offence under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

I thank the Member for his suggestion on using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to review CCTV footage. ECDA has introduced an Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan, which provides funding to help preschools adopt pre-approved digital solutions. ECDA is currently working with video analytics providers to develop AI solutions that can detect safety hazards and potential misconduct in preschools, which could potentially be included as pre-approved digital solutions under the Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan. ECDA will also be deploying AI to improve our review of CCTV footage during investigations.

ECDA does not mandate operators to conduct regular review of CCTV footage, although some may do so as part of their supervisory practices. Mandating regular review of CCTV footage as a regulatory requirement will increase the administrative burden on our educators and potentially take time and attention away from their primary role to care for and nurture our children.

Ultimately, CCTV cameras in preschools are only a part of a suite of existing measures to ensure child safety. Firstly, operators must put in place standard operating procedures for child safety and well-being and ensure that these are implemented effectively by all their centres and staff. Secondly, other forms of supervision of child management practices must be exercised, such as regular walkabouts by principals to observe staff-child interactions. Lastly, operators must empower staff and provide the channels for them to proactively report inappropriate practices to their principal and management team. Everyone must play their part to provide a safe and secure environment in our preschools.