Hanoi’s surveillance revolution as 40,000 cameras reshape urban security

The Hanoi Times — Tran Ngoc Hung, a grocery store owner on Hai Ba Trung Street, has seen his fair share of trouble. Over the years, he has dealt with theft, quarrels between customers, and people leaving without paying, all with no clear evidence to hold anyone accountable.

Each incident left him frustrated, knowing there was little he could do. A centralized surveillance system, he believes, could change that, protecting not only his business but also fostering a safer environment for the entire community.

In response to growing concerns about urban security, Hanoi has approved the comprehensive project for "Managing the Centralized Surveillance Camera System Across the City." The plan sets out to install more than 40,000 cameras between 2025 and 2030 and beyond to strengthen public safety and support the development of a smart city.

The surveillance camera system is expected to greatly aid urban management. Under the plan, Hanoi will install about 28,200 fixed cameras and 12,000 PTZ cameras that can pan, tilt, zoom in and out. Of these, more than 23,700 cameras will be used for security monitoring and law enforcement, nearly 300 cameras for national defense, and more than 16,200 cameras for traffic safety, infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and urban order management.

The system will help the authorities address violations promptly and improve public compliance. According to Le Xuan Canh of Long Bien, the installation of cameras can discourage indiscriminate littering and improve urban hygiene. Other residents agreed, believing that the cameras will reduce unresolved traffic incidents and make criminal investigations more efficient.

Despite the benefits, there are significant challenges to deploying such a comprehensive monitoring system. First and foremost, investment in technology and infrastructure plays a critical role. According to architect Tran Huy Anh of the Hanoi Association of Architects, many cities around the world have invested heavily in surveillance systems only to find that they quickly become obsolete. Therefore, Hanoi needs to have a long-term investment strategy that maximizes efficiency with minimum expenditure.

Tran Huy Anh said that installing tens of thousands of cameras means handling an enormous amount of data, which requires sophisticated storage and processing capabilities. He noted, "To ensure smooth operation, Hanoi needs to build a synchronized technology infrastructure, use artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis, and establish strong connectivity with an integrated operations center."

One of the public’s primary concerns regarding this surveillance system is privacy protection. Research conducted by Vu Ngoc Son, head of technology research at the National Cyber Security Association (NCA), has highlighted these worries among the public. "If not properly regulated, personal images collected by these cameras could be misused or leaked, posing a serious threat to individual privacy." 

Dr. Doan Trung Son, a cybersecurity expert, emphasizes that the large-scale rollout of surveillance cameras must adhere to strict security standards to prevent cyberattacks or unauthorized access to collected data. Regulatory frameworks must also be developed to govern the collection, storage, and use of surveillance data to ensure that security does not conflict with individual rights.

To maximize the effectiveness of the surveillance system, Hanoi requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. According to urban planner Nguyen Tran Bac from the Vietnam Association for Urban Planning and Development, "Building a smart city is not just about installing advanced technology. It requires an integrated approach that ensures efficient management, seamless data processing, and proactive governance."

According to Dr. Doan Trung Son, Hanoi must focus on developing a modern technological infrastructure, ensuring direct integration with a centralized operations center, utilizing AI-driven data processing, and creating a large-scale data repository for urban management.

"It is necessary to establish a robust legal framework to regulate data privacy and security, with independent oversight mechanisms to maintain transparency,: said Son.

Inter-agency cooperation is crucial to prevent fragmented management and resource wastage. Public awareness campaigns should also be intensified to help citizens understand the benefits of the surveillance system, thereby fostering greater compliance with urban regulations."

The deployment of a large-scale surveillance camera system represents a significant step forward in improving urban management and public safety in Hanoi. If operated effectively, the system will enhance surveillance and law enforcement and contribute to traffic management, environmental improvement, and overall urban service quality.

However, to develop a truly smart city, Hanoi must invest heavily in infrastructure, personnel training, and transparent data governance. Incorporating AI-powered automated violation detection can reduce reliance on human oversight, while increasing the efficiency of law enforcement.

A city does not become "smart" overnight. However, with careful planning and strategic investment, this surveillance system will serve as a critical urban management tool, paving the way for Hanoi to become a modern, sustainable, and intelligent metropolis.