By Razeen Gutta
France has faced backlash from sports groups for their attempts to use artificial intelligence (AI) assisted video surveillance for the 2024 Olympics.
They say the technology is a security requirement for the event.
Special measures are being undertaken to fast-track “exceptional security measures” which sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has called an “essential milestone” for the Games.
The move comes following chaotic scenes at the Uefa Champions final in Paris last year.
Many fans from England had difficulty getting into the Stade de France, with some tear gassed and even mugged outside the ground when Liverpool took on Real Madrid.
The French government has made it clear that no facial recognition is included in the security measures. However, rights groups are afraid it will give too much power to police and extend into a permanent situation.
“We’re deeply worried by the fact that these algorithms will be able to analyse images from fixed CCTV cameras or drones to detect ‘abnormal or suspect’ behaviour,” said Katia Roux, the advocacy officer on technology and human rights at Amnesty International France.
“First, there is the issue of defining abnormal or suspect behaviour. Who will decide what behaviour is the norm or not?
“Also, in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms, we consider the proposal presents a danger to the right to a private life, it could also impact freedom of expression, freedom to meet, and the principle of non-discrimination.”
Pictured above: Protests against AI surveillance have been occurring in France
Image source: @globalsynchrony
