Data PrivacyReal-Time Video Surveillance: Balancing Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

INTRODUCTION

As artificial intelligence (“AI”) develops, a number of worries concerning the privacy of personal data have arisen. Large volumes of personal data are frequently needed for AI systems to learn which raises questions about how this data is gathered, processed, and stored. Large amounts of data are frequently used by AI systems to maintain the algorithms they use and boost efficiency. This data may contain very crucial information like name, personal information and financial data.

A new kind of technology is developing in today’s security environment known as AI-powered video analytics. The video analytics industry is largely driven by security-centric solutions, encompassing areas like traffic monitoring, crowd control, license plate identification, facial recognition technology, and the detection of security breaches or unauthorized activities. While these security applications form the backbone of the market, the use of video analytics has extended far beyond this domain, proving invaluable across a range of other industries.

In sectors such as retail, video analytics has transformed the way businesses manage operations, providing insights into customer behaviour, optimizing store layouts, and enhancing loss prevention strategies. Similarly, in the hospitality industry, these technologies are being employed to elevate guest experiences, streamline operations, and bolster security measures, ensuring a safer and more efficient environment for both staff and visitors.

The adaptability of video analytics across various sectors illustrates its growing importance not just for surveillance, but also for operational intelligence and decision-making in diverse commercial settings.

AI AND VIDEO ANALYTICS

The algorithms made by AIplay a major role in video analytics systems by enabling sophisticated functionalities. The computing needs are increased when processing number of video streams at once, since there is more data to analyze and insights to be gained from AI models with each new stream. The main task in computer vision is tracking individuals and their movements.

Segmenting an area of interest is the aim of the monitoring of people and surveillance system. The process of motion video surveillance begins with identifying and classifying objects within the frame. By analyzing spatial and temporal changes across the video sequence such as the object’s appearance, position, dimensions, and shape motion tracking is performed. Objects detected may include living entities like humans, animals, and birds. This technology is widely applied in robotic vision systems.

We are on the verge of a technological revolution poised to transform numerous sectors, ranging from retail to healthcare. One key function in this field is object categorization within live video feeds or recorded footage. This process involves training video analytics systems to identify potentially harmful or suspicious objects by detecting subtle differences that may indicate a threat and AI plays a crucial role in it.

Intelligent Video Analytics (“IVA”) is a revolutionary system that captures, interprets, and processes video information in real time by integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision techniques. This advanced method leverages AI and computer vision to examine video footage and generate actionable insights. It employs deep learning neural networks to detect and understand objects, individuals, and activities, whether during live video streaming or in post-recording analysis. Video analytics with AI uses algorithms to analyze video footage from surveillance cameras. It helps in identifying people, vehicles, and objects, and can provide useful descriptions of the footage. This information can trigger actions like starting recordings or sending safety alerts.

PRIVACY CONCERNS

AI video analytics is dramatically transforming the security industry by using advanced software and cameras to scrutinize surveillance footage, providing valuable insights that help organizations identify and prevent potential threats. However, this innovative technology raises serious concerns about data protection and privacy.

With the collection and storage of sensitive information such as facial images, license plates, and biometric data, there is a heightened risk of misuse. If this data were to fall into malicious hands, it could be exploited for purposes, including stalking, identity theft, and other forms of criminal activity.

The possibility of false positives raises further concerns. Organisations that use AI video analytics are also concerned about privacy laws. Strict legal frameworks that regulate the gathering, storing, and use of personal data exist in many nations. Significant fines and other penalties may be imposed on organisations that violate these restrictions.

Organisations must take action to assure compliance and be informed of the pertinent rules and regulations that apply to them. By bringing new capabilities like biometric identification and predictive social media analytics, AI broadens the scope of current surveillance practices.

However, it may have a disproportionately negative impact on the privacy of communities that have historically been subject to policing because of things like their zip code, income, race, country of origin, or religion.

Organizations employing AI video analytics are also worried about privacy regulations. Many countries have stringent laws governing the collection, storage, and use of personal information, and companies that breach these laws can face hefty fines and other penalties. Organizations must ensure they comply with relevant regulations and stay informed about applicable legal requirements.

AI introduces new features like biometric identification and predictive social media analysis, expanding the reach of current surveillance methods. However, this can disproportionately impact communities that have historically faced intensified policing due to factors such as zip code, income, race, country of origin, or religion.

BALANCING AI AND PRIVACY: KEY CONSIDERATIONS

To strike a balance between effective surveillance and privacy protection, several approaches can be taken:

1. Transparent Policies: Organizations deploying AI surveillance should have transparent data usage policies that inform individuals about how their data is collected, used, and protected.
2. Data Minimization: Only the necessary data should be collected, and it should be stored for the shortest period needed. Anonymization techniques can help ensure that personal identities are protected.
3. Bias Mitigation in AI: AI algorithms should be regularly audited for bias to ensure that they provide fair and accurate outcomes for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or other attributes.
4. Legal Frameworks and Compliance: Governments and organizations should work together to develop clear legal frameworks that define the boundaries of AI surveillance, such as General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in the European Union or California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) in the United States of America. These regulations mandate how personal data should be handled, giving individuals more control over their privacy.

AMLEGALS REMARKS

This AI systems in real time videos can collect sensitive information including personal identification like facial features, behavioural patterns raises concerns about how much particular data is collected and the purpose behind it.

The storage of this data creates risk to unauthorized access which may lead to leakage of information and can cause violation of laws. Often the inner workings of AI systems are not transparent, making it difficult for the individuals to understand how their data is being used, therefore to address these concerns, implementing stringent data protection measures is required to protect individual rights.

– Team AMLEGALS assisted by Ms. Mugdha Morey (Intern)

For any queries or feedback, feel free to connect with mridusha.guha@amlegals.com or liza.vanjani@amlegals.com