French plans for AI surveillance during Olympics are dangerous

This month, French lawmakers are expected to pass legislation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which, for the first time in France's history, will permit mass video surveillance powered by artificial intelligence (AI) systems. When governments embark on the slippery slope towards the expansion of surveillance powers, it has damning consequences for fundamental human rights, including the rights to privacy, equality and non-discrimination, as well as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Under the guise of ensuring security and fighting terrorism, the French authorities will be able to monitor the movements of millions of people from around the world, whether they are heading to or near stadiums, or using public transportation leading in or out of the premises of the grand sporting event. The need for security during the game is understandable, but transparency and legal justification are needed at every step of the way. Any proposal concerning security must comply with fundamental rights.