In France, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, has decided to generalize algorithmic video surveillance (VSA) after its successful experiment during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This technology, which combines surveillance cameras with monitoring algorithms artificial intelligence, has demonstrated its effectiveness in various public safety scenarios.
VSA in France: a versatile technology
The VSA is capable of identifying 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 located in sensitive or prohibited locations. This versatility allows law enforcement to intervene quickly and effectively, thus reducing risks for the population.
According to the Paris police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, the results of the use of the VSA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been very positive. Technology has made it possible to prevent several incidents and ensure better crowd management. Building on this success, the French government decided not to wait for the evaluation report scheduled for the end of the year and to perpetuate this monitoring method.
The population is worried!
However, this decision is not unanimous in France. Civil liberties associations and researchers express their concerns about the impact of this increased surveillance on the private lives of citizens. Félix Tréguer, researcher at the CNRS, speaks of the advent of a “police fantasy project”. The issue of facial recognition, although not included in the current VSA, also remains a concern for many.
Despite these debates, the French government seems determined to move forward with the generalization of VSA. Michel Barnier underlined the importance of security issues in a context where artificial intelligence represents both a threat and an opportunity. The VSA could thus become a central tool in the national security strategy, allowing proactive surveillance and rapid intervention in the event 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.
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