Scary New AI Can Monitor You in Surveillance Videos Without Seeing Your Face
In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, a cutting-edge surveillance technology is challenging the limits of what’s feasible—and raising significant privacy issues in the process. Created by Veritone, a firm focused on AI solutions, Track AI is a robust tool capable of recognizing and tracking individuals in video recordings without depending on facial recognition. Instead, it employs a mix of physical traits and behavioral patterns to monitor people across various video streams.
What Is Track AI?
Track AI is a sophisticated video assessment tool that harnesses machine learning to recognize individuals based on traits such as:
– Body size and shape
– Clothing color and type
– Hair color
– Accessories (e.g., bags)
– Gait (the manner in which someone walks)
This method allows Track AI to operate in situations where facial recognition is restricted or prohibited. For example, numerous U.S. cities and states have enacted regulations limiting the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. Track AI navigates these limitations by emphasizing non-facial identifiers.
How It Works
The software scrutinizes captured video footage and enables users—typically law enforcement or security officials—to enter specific details about a person of interest. For example, if a suspect is described as wearing a black jacket and carrying a duffel bag, Track AI can sift through hours of footage to locate individuals fitting that profile.
Once a match is found, the AI constructs a timeline of the individual’s movements across different cameras and sites. This greatly decreases the time and labor needed for manual review of surveillance footage.
Real-World Applications
According to a report by MIT Technology Review, Track AI currently boasts approximately 400 clients, including various public sector agencies such as:
– Local and state police departments
– The Department of Justice
– The Department of Homeland Security
– The Department of Defense
While Veritone has not revealed exactly how these agencies are utilizing the technology, it is evident that Track AI is being put to use for investigative activities. The company also anticipates that the software will be compatible with live video feeds within a year, potentially allowing for real-time tracking.
Benefits and Use Cases
Track AI presents several potential advantages:
– Quicker Investigations: Law enforcement can efficiently browse through video footage to find suspects or individuals of interest.
– Increased Public Safety: The technology may assist in solving crimes like theft, assault, or missing persons cases more effectively.
– Circumvent Legal Restrictions: By steering clear of facial recognition, Track AI provides a solution for agencies functioning in areas with stringent privacy regulations.
For instance, in instances of mobile phone theft where criminals exploit victims to gain access to confidential information, Track AI could aid in identifying and tracking suspects across several locations.
Privacy Concerns and Ethical Implications
Despite its benefits, Track AI has ignited considerable debate among privacy proponents. Organizations like the ACLU caution that the technology could be exploited for extensive surveillance or personal grudges.
Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst at the ACLU, referred to Track AI as “potentially authoritarian technology.” He and others contend that the software’s ability to monitor individuals without facial data makes it even more intrusive than traditional facial recognition technologies.
Unlike facial recognition, which necessitates clear images of an individual’s face, Track AI can operate with low-quality footage by examining body movements and clothing. This enables pervasive surveillance in public and private areas without individuals’ awareness or consent.
Potential for Abuse
One of the primary concerns is the human element. While the AI itself serves as a tool, its use is contingent on the individuals operating it. There is a danger that those with access to the technology could use it to observe others for personal reasons, such as stalking or harassment.
Furthermore, authoritarian regimes could adopt or replicate this technology to keep tabs on dissent, stifle protests, or control populations. The capacity to track individuals in real time without their knowledge poses a significant threat to civil liberties.
Balancing Innovation and Privacy
The rise of Track AI underscores the ongoing conflict between technological advancement and individual privacy. While the software can be an important resource for law enforcement, it also highlights the necessity for robust regulations and oversight.
Government and regulatory entities must develop guidelines to ensure that such technologies are employed responsibly and transparently. This includes:
– Mandating warrants or judicial oversight for surveillance activities
– Restricting data retention and access
– Ensuring accountability for misuse
– Keeping the public informed about how surveillance tools are deployed
Conclusion
Track AI signifies a major advancement in surveillance technology, delivering powerful capabilities that could transform criminal investigations. However, its potential for abuse should not be overlooked. As AI technology progresses, society must confront the ethical ramifications of these tools and strive to balance security with privacy.
For now, staying informed and promoting responsible AI usage remains the best defense against the more ominous prospects of this powerful technology.
Further Reading
To explore more about Track AI and its effects, refer to the original MIT Technology Review article and view the demonstration video to observe the technology in action.
