After experimentation during the Olympics, “algorithmic” video surveillance will become widespread

Experimented during the Olympic Games, so-called “algorithmic” video surveillance, that is to say using intelligent cameras, will become widespread in France, we have learned. Le Figaro with the Ministry of the Interior, confirming the information from Francetvinfo.

During his general policy statement before the National Assembly on Tuesday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier declared himself in favor of a “generalization of the method tested during the Olympic Games. This technology, which is based on video surveillance cameras already installed in public spaces, aided by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, was authorized as part of the security of the Olympic Games. Numérama specifies that it is used for “target fire outbreaks, abandoned objects, crowd movements, weapons, excessive densities, a person on the ground, vehicles or individuals going the wrong way or being in sensitive or prohibited locations“. However, it cannot do facial recognition.

Currently, algorithmic video surveillance is still active because the law has regulated its use until March 31, 2025. It should therefore probably be maintained beyond this date. The Paris Police Prefecture drew a positive assessment of the experiment and Laurent Nunez said he was in favor of generalization. According to Francetvinfo, an evaluation committee for algorithmic cameras should submit a report by the end of the year to provide a complete assessment of its use.