The National Assembly adopted on Monday, February 16, in its first reading, a bill authorizing, on an experimental basis until the end of 2027, the use of algorithmic cameras in shops to prevent theft. The bill, sponsored by Renaissance MP Paul Midy, was approved by 60 votes to 13, with the support of several groups, while the left denounced it as an "extremely worrying development."
A controlled experiment until 2027
The measure aims to enable the analysis of CCTV images in stores, supermarkets, and shopping centers by an algorithm. The system is designed to detect certain behaviors deemed suspicious, such as the concealment of a product, and then trigger an alert to the retailer.
The legislation explicitly excludes the use of facial recognition and mandates that the public be informed about the use of this technology. The text also specifies that algorithmic processing alone cannot form the basis for prosecution.
Already used by several thousand businesses according to its author, this device will still have to be examined by the Senate to continue its legislative process.
