Artificial intelligence-based state-of-the-art security is being tested for possible use at the Paris Olympics two months later at the Cannes Film Festival.
The festival takes place in the Cote d’Azur from Tuesday to May 25 and attracts some 40,000 visitors, including some of the biggest film stars in the world.
17 experimental cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) are reportedly being used by local police to “identify events or behaviours deemed suspicious” and assist in locating persons in need, weapons, and abandoned goods.
The Cannes town hall has been asking to implement them since 2019 but has only been given permission thanks to changes in surveillance laws introduced for the Olympics that kick off in Paris in July, according to mayor David Lisnard.
With 884 cameras—one for every 84 residents—the municipality already boasted the “densest video protection network in France,” according to him.
Additionally, 462 emergency call buttons are dispersed throughout buildings and public areas throughout Cannes.
There were worries that the festival wouldn’t have enough police resources because of the Olympics mobilization.
However, in addition to the 200 officers and 66 surveillance agents already present in Cannes, the authorities of Paris claim to be deploying an additional 400 security personnel.
The festival has a further 400 security guards around the main venue, the Palais des Festivals — not to mention the many private security agents employed at all the beach, villa and yacht parties.
