Algorithmic Olympics: Exploring the ethical and social implications of AI surveillance through the case of Paris 2024

Zatsepina, L and Ludvigsen, J (2025) Algorithmic Olympics: Exploring the ethical and social implications of AI surveillance through the case of Paris 2024. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics. pp. 1-22. ISSN 1940-6940

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Abstract

By connecting with contemporary debates on security, surveillance, sport mega-events and their social consequences, this article critically examines emerging issues related to the use of algorithmic video surveillance (AVS) – particularly real-time video analytics used to monitor public spaces and detect crowd behaviours – during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games and highlights how these issues extend to other areas of social life. In the lead-up to Paris 2024, the proposed deployment and subsequent legalisation of AI surveillance have been subjected to heavy contestations. However, limited research has examined this case within the Olympics’ wider political history or its connection to broader security and mega-event trends. This article addresses this gap by adopting a conceptual approach and focusing on relevant (1) ethical issues, (2) modes of activism, and (3) the potential security legacies that surface in parallel with this politically unique Olympic event and the attempts to secure it. We argue that Paris 2024 highlights several pressing AI and security concerns likely to emerge in other social contexts beyond those of Paris 2024 speaking to the contestation and inaccuracies of security technologies.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: 1504 Commercial Services; 1605 Policy and Administration; 3504 Commercial services; 4407 Policy and administration
Subjects: A General Works > AZ History of Scholarship The Humanities
A General Works > AZ History of Scholarship The Humanities
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Divisions: Humanities and Social Science
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
Date of acceptance: 1 July 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access: 10 July 2025
Date Deposited: 10 Jul 2025 11:20
Last Modified: 10 Jul 2025 11:30
DOI or ID number: 10.1080/19406940.2025.2529201
URI: https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26755
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