France to monitor citizens’ internet activities using AI

In a significant development concerning privacy and surveillance, the government of France is set to implement a rigorous monitoring system of its citizens’ internet activities using artificial intelligence. This initiative is driven by the French State Information Service, which has recently authorised a tender aimed at developing an AI project dedicated to tracking online behaviours.

This project seeks to ascertain the public’s sentiments regarding governmental activities and policies. Specifically, it will initially focus on monitoring user interactions and engagements on popular social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. Furthermore, the initiative will extend to observing public discussions and opinions concerning key political figures, including the President and the Prime Minister, as well as crucial governmental institutions.

Beyond social media, the project is also designed to analyse online search behaviour, including activities on major platforms like Google and YouTube. With these capabilities, the French administration will be equipped to collect, record, and evaluate a vast amount of data reflecting the digital conduct and preferences of the French populace.

This move comes amid a programmatic emphasis on digital transformation, highlighted by the recent appointment of France’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization. While the official narrative underlines an objective of improving public policy understanding and responsiveness, many French citizens and media outlets perceive a different motive behind these measures.

The reaction from the public has been one of concern and unease. Many French citizens are expressing significant apprehension, fearing that the government’s plan constitutes a profound encroachment on privacy and individual freedoms. Social media platforms have become a battleground for public opinion, with users articulating strong opposition and dubbing the initiative an invasion into personal lives. The French media has further escalated these concerns, describing the government’s strategy as a potential “assault on privacy.”

As this project unfolds, questions surrounding the balance between national security interests and personal privacy rights are becoming increasingly critical. The implications of such comprehensive surveillance are sparking a broader debate about the role and limits of governmental oversight in the digital age. As the French administration progresses with this initiative, the discourse surrounding privacy rights and data autonomy will undoubtedly intensify, captivating not only domestic but also international audiences.

Source: Noah Wire Services