France will install AI surveillance cameras to ensure security at the Olympic Games

Artificial intelligence  has marked its application in a vast array of diverse sectors. From the entertainment industry to medicine, all sectors are being affected by this technology, and security is no exception. In France, the police have been testing these new AI security cameras during public events such as demonstrations or concerts. However, the real test for this controversial technology begins in a few days when the Olympic flame is lit in Paris on July 26.

Tests

The first time the French police used these AI surveillance cameras was at two Depeche Mode concerts in Paris, according to The Telegraph. At the Accor Arena, where the concerts were held on March 3 and 6, six AI-equipped cameras were installed to monitor the crowd and detect unusual or dangerous activities.

The purpose of these tests was to improve the security forces' preparation for the Olympic Games, where a large influx of people is expected, posingLa NBC emitirá el resumen de París 2024 con la voz de uno de sus presentadores generada por IA • Neosmart | InsightsThe opening ceremony will be monitored by 30,000 agents, and the use of this technology is a response to the chaos experienced at the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

The deployed AI surveillance cameras are designed to alert operators and security agents to any suspicious or potentially dangerous activity. The artificial intelligence has been trained to detect eight types of incidents, including counterflow traffic, the presence of people in prohibited areas, crowd movements, abandoned packages, the use of weapons, overcrowding, bodies on the ground, and fire. Once an incident is detected, security operators decide whether to alert authorities for police intervention.

In May of last year, the French Parliament approved a law authorizing the use of AI for security at sporting and leisure events. However, French ministers have promised that during the tests, no arrests will be made based solely on images captured by AI cameras, and the law prohibits facial recognition.

Challenges and future prospects

The use of artificial intelligence in public security poses several ethical and legal challenges. Despite promises from the French government, the implementation of AI surveillance cameras has sparked controversy among privacy and civil rights advocates. The main concern lies in the potential abuse of technology and mass surveillance.

Nevertheless, authorities argue that AI can be a valuable tool for ensuring security at large-scale events, minimizing risks and effectively responding to potential threats. The experience gained during the concerts and ongoing tests will be crucial in assessing effectiveness and making necessary adjustments before its use at the Olympic Games.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way public security is approached in France, with the hope of improving the management of large crowds and preventing incidents. However, advancements in this field and its legislation generate new debates about surveillance and state control over its citizens.