The Paris Olympics, scheduled for July, are set to be a crucial test for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ensuring security. In preparation for this event, the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place from May 16 to 25 on the French Riviera, will deploy 17 experimental cameras equipped with AI technology. These cameras are designed to identify suspicious events or behavior and help detect abandoned packages, weapons and individuals in distress.
The proposal to install these cameras was originally made in 2019 but it was only with recent changes to surveillance laws that the Cannes municipality obtained the necessary authorization. Mayor David Lisnard explained that the city already has a densest video surveillance network in France, with 884 cameras, equating to one camera for every 84 residents. In addition, there are 462 emergency buttons scattered throughout public spaces and buildings in the city, providing an added layer of safety.
Despite concerns about resources being diminished due to preparations for the Olympics, the introduction of advanced technologies like AI-powered cameras aims to offset any shortfalls in policing and ensure effective and timely surveillance. The goal is to enhance security measures and provide a safe environment for attendees and participants at major events like the Cannes Film Festival and the upcoming Paris Olympics.
