After the groups Depeche Mode and Black Eyed Peas, it is the turn of the American star Taylor Swift to see the surroundings of her Parisian concerts scanned by an algorithmic video surveillance device (VSA). By a decree published on May 6, the Paris police headquarters authorized the Parisian transport authority (RATP) to use, from May 7 to 14 from 8 a.m., the Cityvision solution, developed by the Parisian company Wintics in two public transport stations, Nanterre-Préfecture and La Défense-Grande Arche.
This will involve detecting possible “intrusions into areas prohibited to the public or sensitive areas”, the presence of abnormally dense crowds or dangerous movements, or even the presence of abandoned luggage, underlines the police headquarters. All “on an experimental basis”, as permitted by the law of May 19, 2023 relating to the Olympic and Paralympic Games which includes several provisions concerning the VSA.
Citing the conflict in the Middle East, recent terrorist threats targeting France and an increase in anti-Semitic acts, the Paris prefecture also considers that a new experiment is justified because the four concerts of the singer Taylor Swift “appear particularly exposed to risks of acts of terrorism”.
