2023-04-18 08:49:20
The bill on the 2024 Olympics worries part of the left. The parliamentary groups of the Insoumis and the Ecologists announced on Monday an appeal to the Constitutional Council against the government’s text, considering that certain security measures contravene the “individualization of sentences” and the “right to respect for private life”.
The text provides for a controversial experiment: using images from cameras and drones to feed algorithms that would automatically alert the authorities of a potentially risky event (crowd movement, abandonment of luggage, etc.). But the list of events to monitor will be fixed later.
The experiment could begin as soon as it is promulgated and concern large-scale “sporting, recreational or cultural events”. It should theoretically end on March 31, 2025, beyond the Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8).
“Such a dangerous experiment does not have to be extended”
“This device seriously undermines the fundamental freedoms to come and go (and) to demonstrate”, criticize the elected officials in their appeal that AFP was able to consult, after information from the Huffington Post. “Such a dangerous experiment does not have to extend (…) beyond the Olympic Games”, write the applicants, certain that they will serve as a springboard to perpetuate this video surveillance.
They are concerned that an algorithm may consider “that certain characteristics such as a particular piece of clothing or skin color are more likely to be associated with the risk sought”, fearing “a potentially discriminatory and racist practice”.
The bill also provides for a reinforcement of the anti-doping arsenal, with genetic tests to detect forms of gene doping. But the absence of consent constitutes, according to these deputies, an attack on “privacy” and “individual freedom”.
Body scanners in the viewfinder
The elected officials also denounce the planned extension of the possibilities of conducting administrative investigations, in particular before the assignment of temporary workers in certain sectors. The access of participants (with the exception of spectators) and accredited persons to the competition sites and fan-zones may be subject to this investigation. But the scope of this last measure, defined by decree, “is not limited in time and could cover a large number of demonstrations”, according to the opponents, who see it as a reason for unconstitutionality.
Also in their sights: the possibility of deploying body scanners, which they consider disproportionate and contrary to the right to privacy.
Finally, they denounce the creation of offenses repressing entries “by force or by fraud” into sports arenas, in repeat offenses or in meetings, and entries into the grounds under the same conditions, considering that the article does not sufficiently specify the type target behaviors.
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