Paris police chief backs keeping AI surveillance in place post-Olympics
The head of the Paris police, Laurent Nuñez, has said he is in favour of extending the use of controversial AI-powered video surveillance trialled during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The system showed promising results, according to law enforcement, but has drawn criticism from rights groups over potential abuse of privacy.
Speaking before the French parliament's law committee this week, police prefect Nuñez said algorithmic video surveillance had "proved its usefulness".
Describing the results of the Olympic security experiment as positive, Nuñez said he wants to see AI surveillance extended to other sporting and cultural events across France.
A 2023 law passed for the Paris Games already authorises potential use of AI surveillance until 31 March 2025.
The technology uses artificial intelligence programmes to analyse images recorded by surveillance cameras.
As the system processes video footage, it automatically identifies "abnormal" events, such as a person falling in the street or movements in a crowd that suggest panic. It does not rely on facial recognition.
Rights implications
Despite law enforcement's assurances that its use will be limited, rights groups fear that AI surveillance could lead to serious abuses.
"Any surveillance in a public space is an interference with the right to privacy," she said.
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
French draft law to allow AI crowd monitoring at Paris Olympics
French government will use AI to modernise public services
Artificial intelligence may lead humanity to extinction, industry leaders warn
