The Power of AI in Surveillance
With a staggering deployment of 4,200 cameras in public spaces, or one for every 81 residents, Nice has established a sophisticated network. These cameras are connected to an AI-powered command center capable of detecting not only minor infractions, such as illegal parking or unauthorized access to public parks but also potentially suspicious activities like unauthorized entry into school buildings.
Recently, Nice tested a system on its iconic Promenade des Anglais that utilizes algorithms to flag irregular vehicle and pedestrian movements in real-time. This system could have expedited the capture of the assailant responsible for driving a 19-ton truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of 86 people and hundreds of injuries.
Fighting Fire with Fire
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, emphasizes the necessity of fighting against those who have declared war on society. Nice is not alone in its embrace of AI for security purposes. France, as a whole, is gearing up to deploy sweeping algorithmic video surveillance in preparation for hosting the 2024 Olympics. The technology being considered can detect sudden crowd movements, identify abandoned objects, and even spot someone lying on the ground, potentially preventing attacks like the 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Summer Olympics.
However, the adoption of this futuristic, some say Orwellian, policing approach is encountering resistance in a region that seeks to lead in AI regulation while preserving digital privacy rights.
Conflicting Perspectives on AI-Powered Surveillance
As governments worldwide seek to utilize AI for security purposes, concerns about privacy and individual rights are raised. Critics argue that such extensive surveillance places citizens under constant observation by AI. Félix Tréguer, co-founder of French digital civil rights group La Quadrature du Net, warns of the dangers of this all-seeing eye.
Comparatively, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have already employed AI capabilities in law enforcement. Facial recognition technology has been used to identify individuals involved in criminal activities, such as the Clearview AI system used to identify rioters at the U.S. Capitol attack in January 2021.
In continental Europe, Venice has implemented AI-powered surveillance systems to monitor boat movements, crowd behavior, and detect potential threats. Furthermore, AI has been utilized by Venice police to analyze footage and locate suspects involved in criminal incidents.
A Balancing Act – Privacy vs. Security
While the European Union is known for its strict privacy regulations, it is also treading a thin line between controlling social media and fulfilling security needs. European countries are determined to forge ahead with AI-powered law enforcement while adhering to rules on biometric data and facial recognition.
Germany, for instance, has tested an AI algorithm in high-crime areas which detects and alerts police to various behaviors, such as aggression or running. However, concerns about self-consciousness and intrusive monitoring arise.
The Future of AI in Law Enforcement
Despite the debates and challenges faced, AI-powered surveillance continues to expand. Nice reports that around 18% of police cases have been solved with the aid of their smart cameras. Mayor Estrosi believes facial recognition technology is essential for the city’s security, whereas critics argue for stricter regulations to protect individual liberties.
As the world grapples with the delicate balance between privacy and security, the deployment of AI in law enforcement remains an ongoing experiment, with each society trying to find its own path forward.
Contributors to this report include Virgile Demoustier in Paris, Kate Brady in Berlin, and Stefano Pitrelli in Rome.