In a bid to strengthen security and help its law enforcement officials, the London Underground network is now looking to start testing the use of real-time AI surveillance to help catch crime and more. This new system is called a "Smart Station" and it can detect body language, behavior, and movements of the passengers and those that pass by the mass transportation.
Machine learning will help the already existing live CCTV surveillance and monitoring to detect any incidents happening in the renowned Tubes.
London Underground: Smart Stations Test Real-time AI Surveillance
(Photo : DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Documents sent over to WIRED under a Freedom of Information Act request now revealed that TfL (Transport for London) was already using new systems and computer vision algorithms to track people's behaviors in the London Underground. Those passing by the stations of the famed London Tube are subjected to real-time AI surveillance, calling this initiative "Smart Stations."
The report now brings to light this surveillance campaign by the city and its law enforcement officials to catch crime and respond to various incidents like people falling onto the tracks or those jumping the gates.
The real-time AI surveillance in the London Underground took place from October 2022 to September 2023, TfL tested 11 algorithms, with the Willesden Green Station seeing an effective application of the program. It detected unlawful behaviors and helped the staff assist those in need, said the report.
AI Observing Crimes, Incidents in the Tube to Help Police
However, while the AI was able to deliver significant help, it made erroneous mistakes such as misidentifying crimes or people, including flagging children as gate jumpers who are following their parents. Also, it had a hard time discerning a folding bike from a non-folding bike.
Privacy experts questioned the algorithm detection system, and more questioned how many knew this new AI surveillance system in the Tube.
London's AI Surveillance and Issues
United Kingdom's moves against the emergence of artificial intelligence saw different events happening, especially with the massive concern of the country which prioritizes the safety of its people and nation. Before, a UK terror watchdog warned against the possibility of an AI nightmare when companies use it to create a 'tech utopia' and become a national security threat.
Moreover, there was a security dispute that the UK had with the emergence of the American security firm, Clearview AI, known for using AI surveillance and facial recognition.
Last October, Clearview AI won against the massive lawsuit from the Information Commissioner's Office, with the company's appeal overturning the decision of its supposed £7.5 million fine for its image database.
Now, the city of London is looking to use the power of artificial intelligence to help it detect and catch crime as it is happening in real-time, combined with its real-time surveillance already used in its Tubes. The London Underground is known for being a mass transport system that witnesses massive incidents and crimes, with the Smart Stations soon pioneering a safer place for commuters.
