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Prime Minister to Expand Algorithmic Surveillance Measures

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Nearly two months ago, during the Paris 2024 Olympics, the French government initiated a trial of algorithmic surveillance. The Interior Ministry has stated that it does not intend to extend this trial beyond the Olympic period. However, a legislative document indicates that the trial is set to continue until March 2025.

Just yesterday, reports emerged highlighting the government’s intention to implement algorithmic surveillance on a national scale across France.

At this point, rumors are gaining traction, and the Prime Minister is merely awaiting the evaluation committee’s findings before making a final decision. This outcome is expected to be determined by the end of this year.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier Proposes Extension of Trial Until 2025

On Tuesday, October 1, Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his intention to extend the algorithmic surveillance trial.

This decision stems from the significant security concerns facing the nation, particularly as artificial intelligence presents both risks and opportunities.

The implementation of algorithmic surveillance (AS) appears set to become a permanent fixture in France. Prime Minister Michel Barnier advocates for the widespread use of cameras equipped with algorithms to monitor public spaces. pic.twitter.com/XrbVjgBVVu

— Numerama (@Numerama) October 2, 2024

For context, the initial trial of AI-assisted surveillance in France followed the adoption of the JOP law in April of last year.

This system was activated during the Paris 2024 Olympics and at various major musical events, including the concerts of the Black Eyed Peas and Taylor Swift, as well as during the Roland-Garros tournament.

This technology effectively integrates traditional surveillance cameras with advanced analytical software. But what are the underlying motivations?

The primary aim of this initiative is to identify potential threats in real-time, enabling authorities to respond promptly.

During the Olympic Games, for instance, authorities reported the usage of a network of 185 fixed cameras throughout the capital.

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Currently, the Prime Minister is poised to endorse this approach, hoping to enhance security and intervene before a situation escalates.

Laurent Nuñez Advocates for Broader Adoption of Algorithmic Surveillance

Despite the Interior Ministry’s initial claims that the trial would be limited to the duration of the Olympic Games, existing legislation already outlined its extension through March 31, 2025.

At the time of this writing, the government is contemplating solidifying this practice within a legal framework, with support from Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez.

Some authorities have reported a generally positive outcome following the initial trial of algorithmic surveillance.

However, they acknowledge that certain areas require improvement, particularly concerning early fire detection, the identification of abandoned objects, and weapon detection.

Rest assured, a comprehensive evaluation report on these intelligent cameras will be made available, but not until December 31, 2024.

Nevertheless, civil liberties organizations are apprehensive about the potential rise of pervasive surveillance. This concern persists despite the government’s commitment to refrain from employing facial recognition technology, which is viewed as a boundary not to be crossed.

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