A government source confirmed to franceinfo that the government plans to perpetuate algorithmic video surveillance, a system tested during the Olympic Games. This technology, which is based on cameras equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms, was intended to detect suspicious behavior or risky situations, such as crowd movements, fire outbreaks or abandoned objects.
The fears of associations defending civil rights and liberties
The legal framework for this experiment was set by the law relating to the Olympic and Paralympic Games (JOP), adopted in April 2023. The Ministry of the Interior had initially indicated that the use of this technology would stop after the Olympics… but the law actually provided for an extension of its use until March 31, 2025. From now on, the question of generalization beyond this date is on the table. Prime Minister Michel Barnier, in his general policy declaration of October 1, expressed his wish to extend this technology to the entire French territory.
During the Olympic Games, the Paris police headquarters set up 185 fixed cameras in the Paris region. This device had also been used during large-scale concerts, such as those of Depeche Mode or Taylor Swift, and during sporting events such as Roland-Garros.
Laurent Nunez, Paris police prefect, spoke in favor of the generalization of this system, affirming that the results of the experiment were generally positive. Improvements would still be necessary, particularly for the detection of weapons and fire outbreaks, as well as for identifying abandoned objects.
The authorities say they are convinced of the usefulness of this technology to strengthen public safety. They also recall that, contrary to fears, these cameras are not authorized to perform facial recognition, a “ red line » set by the government to protect individual freedoms.
The committee for evaluating algorithmic cameras, provided for by law, must submit a report by the end of 2024. This report will be decisive in knowing whether this type of video surveillance can become a permanent measure. Matignon is awaiting these conclusions to definitively decide on the generalization or not of this technology.
Several associations defending civil rights and liberties have expressed their concerns about the potential generalization of these devices. They fear increased surveillance of public spaces, even without facial recognition, and point out the risk of security abuses. The proliferation of cameras and algorithms could lead to disproportionate surveillance of the population, to the detriment of individual freedoms.
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