Does high-tech eavesdropping take airport security too far?

Conversations between passengers and staff in Canadian airports could soon be recorded by high-tech equipment. (J.P. Moczulski/The Canadian Press)

If you're fond of making jokes about the contents of your luggage, you may soon want to reconsider.

High-definition cameras and eavesdropping microphones have been installed at unidentified airports and border crossings, according to an investigation by the Ottawa Citizen.

As the Canada Border Services Agency confirmed in a statement to the Postmedia News paper, the technology has been introduced as part of an effort to enhance "border integrity, infrastructure and asset security and health and safety."

"It is important to note that even though audio technology is installed, no audio is recorded at this time. It will become functional at a later date," wrote CBSA spokesman Chris Kealey.

Although the high-tech monitoring devices are not yet active, the idea that security officials could soon watch more closely and listen more carefully has some critics -- including airport staffers -- concerned about their privacy.

The CBSA has pledged to post signs about the increased surveillance when, and if, the equipment is switched on - a move that American magazine The Atlantic has called Canada's way of "spying on people politely."

The Citizen notes that, crucially, border services officers will have "expanded powers to question, examine and search airport workers and travellers, both domestic and international, within the designated areas."

Privacy assessments would need to be conducted before the equipment could go live, but we want to know what you think of this proposal.

Would you feel safer under these conditions, or are enhanced cameras and microphones too invasive?

(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' replies.)