With France’s National Assembly set to pass a law ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Critics have suggested that one provision of the law, Article 7, violates human rights and introduces “Big Brother” surveillance. Article 7 will allow the use of AI surveillance algorithms to be used on a trial basis to ensure the safety of the Olympic Games. This type of technology uses advanced computer software to analyse images captured by surveillance cameras in real-time, and can detect suspicious activity, including abnormal behaviour. In the preliminary phase, France’s right-wing party Les Républicains and the far-right National Rally voted in favour of the law, while the French Left and human right’s organisations condemned the measure of the law.
The New Ecological and Social People’s Union, a coalition of left-wing parties, was particularly outspoken about their stance on the law. This opposition is further compounded by the fact that the presence of this “Big Brother” surveillance could also introduce suspicion of all citizens, as every person or activity falls under the scope of the camera’s watchful eye. The introduction of the AI technology to monitor suspicious activity without probable cause may be setting a dangerous precedent for increased privacy violation and the presence of a police state.
The potential introduction of AI surveillance technology at the 2024 Games is prompting some to raise their voices in opposition to what could amount to an all-out assault on rights to privacy. Arnaud Touati, a lawyer specialised in digital law, is one of the many who are wary of the future implications of the proposed law, and how such technology could eventually be used in everyday life.It might just be the beginning of a more invasive technological surveillance regime that explores ordinary people’s activities, in the name of public safety.
At a time when our human rights and freedoms are under constant threat worldwide, the introduction of AI surveillance technology in the guise of keeping us “safe” should raise a red flag. It remains to be seen whether this law will be passed or if its potential implications will be realized, as well as its potential global repercussions.
