Paris police deploy controversial AI-powered video surveillance before Taylor Swift concert

French police are installing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered video surveillance at two Paris subway stations used by fans attending pop superstar Taylor Swift's concert in the city.

A decree published by the capital's prefectural police earlier this week justified the use of the controversial method by saying that “in the current context, these concerts are events that are particularly at risk of terrorist acts.”

The implementation will take place for a week from May 7th to 14th at the Nanterre and La Défense Grande Arche metro stations serving Paris' La Défense Arena.

A bill authorizing the use of AI-powered surveillance was passed by the French National Assembly and Senate in an accelerated procedure in May 2023, ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer.

However, some experts have already expressed concerns about the use of this technology.

What is AI-powered video surveillance?

The technology, known as “algorithmic video surveillance” (French for “video surveillance algorithm,” or VSA), involves using AI-powered algorithmic software to analyze video feeds from surveillance cameras in real time. Masu.

This task requires constant attention, so it typically requires more resources if it has to be done by a human team.

The algorithm is designed to recognize and alert you when suspicious behavior is detected, such as leaving a suitcase behind.

However, according to the French legal framework, this type of surveillance device “does not use any biometric identification system, does not process any biometric data, and does not use any facial recognition technology.”

But some critics, including French advocacy groups, oppose methods such as VSA. La Cadrature du Net Questions have been raised about the efficiency of securing events like Swift's concerts and the Olympics.

“Algorithmic video surveillance works with machine learning, so past situations are needed to teach the algorithms to spot these types of situations in the future. ,” Bastien Le Querrec said. A legal expert working for the group told Euronews Next.

“In fact, what we're seeing is that this technology is designed and trained to be effective against very low-level delinquency.”

Why is it controversial?

For opponents, algorithmic surveillance poses risks regarding individual freedoms and rights.

“What we have been saying since 2019 is that this algorithmic video surveillance is a much more sophisticated and almost absolute level of surveillance,” Le Quellec said.

“By automating this surveillance, the impact increases tenfold,” he added. mentioned the possible impact.

The association is not the only one concerned about the system. The NGO Amnesty International France said in a statement that the technology is based on personal data collection. “About privacy rights”.

“Algorithmic video surveillance carries the risk of bias and discrimination against certain groups of people,” the NGO added.

Mr Le Querrec, for example, raised similar concerns that it was being used to discriminate against homeless people.

Opponents are also concerned that the use of AI-powered video surveillance will not be a temporary measure.

The 2023 law allows its use at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, but experimental use at sporting and cultural events will also be permitted until March 31, 2025, six months after the end of the Games. There is.

However, France's Sports and Olympic Minister Amélie Houdea-Castella has already indicated that the government “could extend its use at events much further into the future, if possible”. [the technology] Prove its worth. ”

“The Olympic Games Act is the first step towards legalizing AI video surveillance,” Le Querrec said, adding that legislation is already being discussed to introduce it to public transport. .

The official text of the law states that there are plans to “introduce an algorithmic process to select and export images requisitioned by the courts.”

Data stored for 1 year

Since the law was passed, France has sporadically introduced and tested AI-powered video surveillance during large meetings such as concerts and soccer matches.

In Paris, the technical side is assigned to Wintics (one of the start-ups benefiting from surveillance contracts awarded by the Ministry of the Interior) and its software Cityvision.

Each time this technology is used, the relevant prefecture must promulgate a government ordinance.

However, some have suggested that by making the announcement so late, the day before the deployment, police may be trying to avoid as much legal challenge as possible.

“Those seeking to attend a Taylor Swift concert may feel that this order is unlawful and unfairly infringes on their protected rights and fundamental freedoms, but they are not legally entitled to do so. No action can be taken.”

“There is a kind of organization of impunity on the part of the police chief.”

Paris police did not immediately respond to Euronews Next's request for comment. the proclamation CityVision says it has been “certified to be compliant” by the Home Office and that the agency has been “trained in the protection of personal data.”

The data will be stored for one year, the police order added.