France under fire over fast-track plan for AI video surveillance at Paris Olympics
The French government is moving quickly to put in place special legislation for the 2024 Paris Olympics that would enable the use of video surveillance boosted by artificial intelligence (AI).
Under these plans, France would legalize electronic surveillance with the help of AI technology. This would be a first-of-its-kind occurrence, allowing automated recording from cameras powered by AI algorithms, which can detect any strange or “abnormal” activities in crowded places. These calculations will assess footage taken by either CCTV or drones and mark any abnormal conduct instantly to law enforcement authorities who can respond to it.
The AI systems are intended to inspect crowds like those said to be at the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, but also around arenas, streets and public transport. An awe-inspiring and safe showcase awaits!
Ministers have argued that extraordinary security measures are required to guarantee a successful event attended by around 13 million people, whilst rights groups warned that France could be using the Games as an opportunity to extend police monitoring and keep it going afterwards.
Rights advocacy organizations declared the plan would include all sporting, celebratory and cultural activities over a broad timeframe, beginning this spring until June 2025 – extending far past the completion of the Games. They warned that this could eventually become entrenched in law. Amnesty International remarked that the proposal represented a “pivotal occasion” for France’s use of AI surveillance technologies and cautioned it constituted a “threatening development” for human and privacy rights.
