Sarah Chander from the Equinox Initiative has criticized the AI Act for failing to protect human rights, arguing it serves more as a pro-industry tool than a safeguard for citizens.

Support from member states like Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria for France's push for surveillance exemptions has resulted in minimal restrictions on police monitoring in public areas.

These technologies will enable real-time monitoring of citizens in public spaces, including tracking refugees at border areas.

The legislation permits police to utilize emotional recognition systems and biometric identification, although emotional recognition is banned in workplaces and schools.

The AI Act includes provisions for predictive policing, allowing algorithms to forecast criminal behavior with human oversight, despite ongoing concerns regarding privacy and fairness.

AI tools will also be employed for facial recognition of individuals based on their political views or religious beliefs.

While the Act prohibits AI use in public spaces, it allows law enforcement to bypass this ban under national security concerns, potentially targeting protests or demonstrations.

Critics warn that exemptions in the AI Act could undermine fundamental rights and lead to widespread surveillance, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Starting February 2, 2025, European Union governments will have the authority to implement artificial intelligence technologies for public surveillance.

In a significant move, France's constitutional court has approved the use of AI video surveillance for the upcoming Paris Olympics, potentially setting a precedent for similar technologies across the EU.

The European Artificial Intelligence Act, the first of its kind, has been altered through lobbying efforts by France and other EU states to enhance surveillance capabilities for police and border authorities.

Internal documents reveal that France sought exemptions for national security, which could allow broader surveillance practices, even in public spaces.