[ALGORITHMIC VIDEOSURVEILLANCE - JO 2024]

[FACIAL, POSTURAL AND BEHAVIOURAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGIES - JO 2024 - PRIVACY - PERSONAL FREEDOM - DISCRIMINATION]

🚨The experimentation of algorithmic video surveillance cameras has been voted for and authorised in France.

(Article 7 of Law no. 2023-380 of 19 May 2023 relating to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games)

Indeed, these technologies offer advantages in terms of the safety of individuals and public order. However, they are also likely to give rise to problems relating to ethics, the protection of individual freedoms and respect for privacy.

⚖️ The possibilities of easy recognition and cross-checking with files have been ruled out.

Law 2023-380 states that the sole purpose of the images obtained will be "to detect, in real time, predetermined events likely to present or reveal such risks and to report them".

The following eight categories of events are likely to be detected by automated video surveillance using algorithms:

- Failure to follow the direction of traffic ;

- Crossing a prohibited area;

- The presence or use of a weapon or a fire;

- A crowd movement;

- A person on the ground; and

- Excessive density or an abandoned parcel;

subject to a prefectural order specifying the timeframe, location and reasons.

⚖️Some fear statistical, technical or procedural biases that could lead to unjustified discrimination, in other words "differential treatment applied to individuals on the basis of unjustified criteria". Others highlight the risks of human error in the construction of algorithms on the basis of data selected by a human being, or of non-human interpretation that could harm humans.

In response, the French National Digital Ethics Committee ("CNPEN") suggests, among other things, that algorithms should be used with caution and discernment. In addition, it is suggested that systems, as soon as they are installed, should "explicitly mention the potential presence of bias, in particular to operators" (Opinion No.8 adopted on 20 November 2023, recommendations 5.4.1).

⚠ The experimental scheme will be evaluated. A decision on its continuation will be taken, taking into account respect for privacy and its effectiveness in preventing public order disturbances.

On 3 and 5 March 2024, six algorithmic video surveillance cameras equipped with Wintics software were calibrated during the Depeche Mode concerts.

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