New security measures for Paris 2024 Olympics raise civil liberty concerns
French lawmakers are raising the alarm over a slew of security measures announced last week by Parisian authorities to be implemented ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez told Le Parisien Wednesday that Parisian residents who live near Olympic venues and wish to move freely about the city will need to apply for a QR code which will permit them to pass police barriers.
Residents will also need to register any visitors with the police. An estimated 700 bars and restaurants which will fall under certain security perimeters will only be accessible to those who can “justify” to police they are visiting the establishments.
Between 30,000 to 40,000 police officers are expected to be deployed for the duration of the games which will run from July 26th to August 11th.
Nuñez’s announcement drew heavy criticism from several French legislators who raised civil liberty concerns, according to France24. Union of Democrats and Independents Senator Philippe Bonnecarrere called the security measures “the hallmark of a state of emergency.” Senator Nathalie Goulet, who said they are an “attack on freedoms,” noted that the QR code scheme would involve collecting and storing data on taxpayers. She demanded the police clarify the steps they will take to protect privacy rights.
La France Insoumise Deputy Eric Coquerel called the measures “scandalous, even worse than we feared.” Deputy Damien Maudet similarly added that the “Olympic Games will have a liberticidal taste.”
The announcement came after French taxpayers learned that AI-powered mass surveillance cameras being erected across Paris in preparation for the Olympics may be there to stay.
In March France’s Parliament authorized a mass surveillance network to be built across the capital to tackle “security risks” during the games. The network includes public-facing cameras equipped with facial recognition technology which will scan faces and objects and process the images in real time using an AI algorithm.
Over 60 MPs opposed the bill authorizing the cameras, and groups such as Amnesty International condemned the decision over potential privacy violations. But in May the French Constitutional Council — France’s highest constitutional authority — ruled in favor of the bill, which permits the cameras to remain until March 31, 2025.
Subsequently, in late September France Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said the government is considering making the cameras permanent fixtures.
"Intelligent video surveillance will only be valid from [sic] the Olympic Games and it will apply, for the future, under this experimental phase, for other major events, provided that they present a particular risk to the safety of people," Oudéa-Castéra told France 3, according to Inside the Games.
"Obviously, there will be no extension of this experiment without a precise and transparent evaluation of its effectiveness with regard to the security challenges of our country.
"If it proves itself and is surrounded by guarantees, the French expect us to act for their security and to use new means, including digital, to promote this security."
In October Oudéa-Castéra told the French Senate she is also not ruling out deploying the army for the games, though the question will be left unanswered until the beginning of next year.
