Big Brother In France? Algorithmic Video Surveillance Is Taking Control!

In France, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, decided to generalize algorithmic video surveillance (AVS) after its successful experimentation during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This technology, which combines surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence algorithms, has demonstrated its effectiveness in various public security scenarios.

AVS in France: a versatile technology

AVS can identify a multitude of potentially dangerous situations in public spaces. It can detect fire outbreaks, abandoned objects, crowd movements, weapons, excessive densities, people on the ground, as well as vehicles or individuals in sensitive or prohibited areas. This versatility allows law enforcement to intervene quickly and efficiently, thereby reducing risks to the population.

According to the Paris police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, the outcome of using AVS during the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 was very positive. The technology helped prevent several incidents and ensured better crowd management. Bolstered by this success, the French government decided not to wait for the evaluation report scheduled for the end of the year and to make this surveillance method permanent.

The population is worried!

However, this decision is not unanimous in France. Civil liberties defense associations and researchers express their concerns regarding the impact of this increased surveillance on citizens’ privacy. Félix Tréguer, a researcher at CNRS, speaks of the advent of a “police fantasy project.” The issue of facial recognition, although not included in the current AVS, also remains a concern for many.

Despite these debates, the French government seems determined to move forward with the generalization of AVS. Michel Barnier emphasized the importance of security issues in a context where artificial intelligence represents both a threat and an opportunity. AVS could thus become a central tool in the national security strategy, allowing proactive surveillance and rapid intervention in case of a threat.

The generalization of algorithmic video surveillance in France marks an important step in the use of advanced technologies for public security. While it promises better protection for citizens, it also raises crucial questions about privacy and individual freedoms. The debate is far from over, and it will be essential to find a balance between security and respect for fundamental rights.