AI-Powered Surveillance at 2024 Paris Olympics Raises Privacy Concerns

The 2024 Paris Olympics have become a focal point for advanced AI surveillance, as French authorities and private companies deploy extensive monitoring tools to ensure security. Despite the need for heightened security, concerns arise about privacy and data protection, with critics warning against the normalization of mass surveillance in society.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to become a global spectacle, not just for the athletic feats but also for the advanced AI surveillance systems in place. As athletes, support personnel, and visitors from around the world gather in France, both public and private sectors are deploying state-of-the-art monitoring tools to enhance security.

French authorities have collaborated with AI companies Videtics, Orange Business, ChapsVision, and Wintics to implement cutting-edge AI video surveillance. These systems, designed to detect changes in crowd size, abandoned objects, and potential threats, are expected to provide real-time alerts to security personnel, leveraging AI's data-processing capabilities.

However, the extensive surveillance measures have sparked significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that these practices could lead to the normalization of mass surveillance, violating stringent EU regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation. Despite official assurances, the transparency and potential misuse of collected data remain contentious issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)