Ontario's privacy commissioner says Toronto's transit system can expand its use of video cameras without worrying about violating the law but it must ensure that threats to privacy are "kept to an absolute minimum."

Ann Cavoukian, in a report released Monday, said video surveillance plans by the Toronto Transit Commission do comply with Ontario's Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

But she made 13 recommendations that outline specific steps that the TTC must take to protect the privacy rights of its riders.

"Mass transit systems like the TTC, that are required to move large volumes of people, in confined spaces, on a daily basis, give rise to unique safety and security issues for the general public and operators of the system," she said.

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"The challenge we thus face is to rein in, as tightly as possible, any potential for the unauthorized deployment of the system. We have attempted to do this by ensuring that strong controls are in place ..."

Cavoukian said the TTC must implement policies and procedures that put limits on the expanded system, must undertake an independent audit, and when possible, introduce technologies that would prevent unauthorized access or use of the personal information obtained.

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