French Court Bans AI Surveillance Software, Setting Precedent

The Grenoble Administrative Court has ordered the town of Moirans, Isère, to immediately cease using the algorithmic video surveillance software, Briefcam. The ruling, issued on January 31, 2025, follows a legal challenge by digital rights group La Quadrature du Net, which argued the system violated privacy laws.

Briefcam, which analyzes CCTV footage using filters based on gender, height, clothing, and movement patterns, had been in use in Moirans since 2018 without proper legal authorization. The court found the software processed personal data without clear purpose or safeguards for privacy, breaching GDPR and French security regulations.

The decision could set a precedent for other French municipalities using similar technologies. While algorithmic surveillance is temporarily permitted under the 2024 Olympic Security Law for specific high-risk events, its broader use remains restricted. The ruling highlights growing concerns over the ethical and legal implications of AI-powered surveillance systems.