The world championship football of 2022 is upcoming, starting next month. This year the event takes place in the oil state Qatar. Critics state that Qatar bought the rights of hosting more than ten years ago mainly for ‘sportswashing’ purposes, referring to the bad situation of human rights in the country. On top of that, it has been revealed that more than 6,500 migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, have died during the construction of stadiums and infrastructure for the event. While downplaying all this controversy, the host country focuses on a smooth and orderly running world cup. Thereby, however, Qatar uses resources, again to be judged as unethical.
Last month, Qatar showed how it will ensure the order and safety of all visitors. In every stadium, 2000 surveillance cameras are being installed, equipped with AI-based facial recognition technology. From a command center, football fans will be monitored to protect them from crimes. Although the technology will certainly contribute to the event’s safety, one could debate whether this is a desirable development. Mass surveillance could prevent terror, assault, or theft, however, a supporter breaking the strict local laws, such as public kissing and other small violations, also could be a target of the authorities. As public safety increases, privacy, freedom, and protection from the state are under pressure.
For these reasons, the European Union is currently developing a regulatory framework for the development and application of AI. The framework wants to impose certain regulations based on the risk classification of the AI. Application for surveillance purposes, as illustrated in the Qatar case, will be classified as high risk, which comes along with strict rules. The union states it wants to build a resilient society for its people and businesses that enables them to enjoy the benefits of AI while feeling safe and protected.
The world cup illustrates with what ease societies can make use of digital technologies in ways to be considered unethical. To prevent the emergence of surveillance states, civilians, interest groups, and politicians all have the important task of ensuring well-functioning regulations.
Sources:
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/england-fans-qatar-security-cameras-28078069
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/european-approach-artificial-intelligence
Hi Frank, I really liked reading your article about the upcoming world cup in Qatar. I do think it is the future that people will be monitored all the time in public spaces. However, using AI based facial recognition goes a bit too far in my opinion. Especially in countries like Qatar, North Korea, Russia etc. In those countries, the leaders and governments are too controllling. Whereas in Western European countries it could work to decrease criminality. I don’t hope that a point system will be introduced whereby individuals get monitored all the time and get a rating continuously, which influences your chance at getting a job for example. Do you think that this rating system might be introduced in the future either in Western countries or in a country like Qatar?
Very nice article Frank! I remember reading about this earlier in the year and thinking the plans would not go through due to the sheer amount of work necessary, finding out that is not the case comes as a surprise. I believe surveilance equipment capable of identifying individuals represents a slippery slope, especially given the context. Without a doubt it is an incredible technology yet there are simply too many chances for its exploitation. The EU working on designated regulations is a step in the right direction however in recent history we have come to learn that regulations and sanctions often don’t represent a strong enough deterrent for most countries. I’m curious to see how the situation will develop, thank you for keeping me up to date on the topic!
Very interesting text about the world championship football of 2022 and the use of surveillance cameras. I did know that the situation in Qatar has been horrific for its workers and many companies and soccer players oppose it very strongly. I read in the news Amnesty has made multiple urgent appeals to FIFA to improve the rights of migrant workers there. Why would both Qatar and FIFA be so intent on increasing surveillance instead of improving the human rights of these workers? Also I am curious on how you feel about using AI to help securing such massive competitions?
It is interesting since the use of AI increases security but on the other hand it sounds very scary and unethical to do so. I agree with you that the world cup illustrates with what ease societies can make use of digital technologies in ways to be considered unethical.
Hi Frank, thank you for this interesting article. As many commenters on this post already said, Qatar has been extremely unethical to people working on FIFA’s World Cup 2022 project, and I definitely share the same thought. Even though, I find Qatar’s attitude unethical, I do understand their measures to host a safe event by installing security cameras, however, these camera should not have to be equipped with AI-based facial recognition technology.
In my opinion, these cameras will invade individual’s privacy, for the sake of preventing possible crimes and any other unlawful activities. Besides, the large amount of data can be exploited by Qatar’s government. During such a huge event, it is about the safety of the mass and not about the safety of identified individuals. It surprises me that the FIFA did not obstruct Qatar to cancel these plans.
As you mentioned, the EU is working on a regulatory framework for AI, but I even think that the UN should develop this to pressurize and monitor conformity across all countries.
Frank, thank you for your insights regarding the AI facial recognition software. I did not know until now it was even considered. What I did know is the labour scandal that occurred during the building of the stadiums and infrastructure towards the Worldcup. But regarding the actual subject, I think it would be interesting to know how exactly this would go to work in real life. Letting the George Orwell book come to life. In my opinion, this software is inevitable to be tested in real life and sure would lead to interesting insights.
However, the fact that this technology would be implemented where multiple cultures with different backgrounds come together makes it kind of scary in my opinion. Football has a strong correlation with drinking and drinking with law violations, which could lead to serious jail time there.
Luckily, Qatar has already been open that minor violations would not be punished severely, but it still gives me the doubt whether this technology should be implemented