Surveillance Misuse

Addressing surveillance misuse concerns 

Many people have an understandably cautious nature when it comes to any kind of surveillance. Articles in the media, the rise (and misuse) of AI technologies and a healthy dose of scepticism all play a part. 

Since its inception in 2017, NAVIC has based its ethos on strict legal adherence. NAVIC exists to help authorised security and law enforcement partners prevent and investigate crime. It is not a tool for private individuals to obtain images of, or monitor, other people. 

Access to intelligence is controlled, use is purpose-specific, and alerts are subject to verification and human oversight. 

Here are some commonly asked questions with answers to set your mind at ease. If you have any additional questions, we invite you to contact us at any time. 

Does NAVIC share vehicle images with anyone who asks for them?
No. NAVIC does not operate as an open image-search service. Images and related vehicle intelligence are not available to members of the public simply on request. Images in NAVIC Cloud are for SAPS and other law-enforcement agencies, or may be provided only at NAVIC’s discretion, with the required legal support documentation. 

Can someone use NAVIC to track a spouse, partner, family member or private citizen?
No. NAVIC is not intended or available for private surveillance, domestic disputes or curiosity-driven searches. The platform is used by authorised security and law-enforcement stakeholders to support legitimate crime-prevention and investigation activities—not to monitor an individual’s movements for personal reasons.

What information does NAVIC process?
NAVIC Cloud integrates information from automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and cross-references it against vehicle-of-interest databases and authorised third-party sources. Its purpose is to help identify and respond to risks such as stolen or hijacked vehicles, missing persons and vehicles linked to serious crime.

Who can access NAVIC information?
Access is controlled and determined under NAVIC’s Minimum Information Security Standards. NAVIC also uses a process involving verified alerts, custodians and human oversight through its Alert Room and National Operations Centre, aligned with police protocols.

How does NAVIC protect privacy and prevent misuse?
NAVIC applies strict security standards to protect data integrity and operates in accordance with the Minimum Information Security Standards. Its safeguards are intended to ensure that vehicle intelligence is handled responsibly and used only for authorised, legitimate security and law-enforcement purposes.

You may have other questions which could be answered by our FAQ. Or, please contact us with your questions or concerns.