French supermarkets are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to combat shoplifting, a move that is demonstrably reducing losses for businesses but also sparking debate over the legal and ethical implications of real-time surveillance. The technology, deployed in thousands of stores nationwide, analyzes customer behavior through in-store cameras, flagging potentially fraudulent actions to staff.
Real-Time Surveillance in Action
The AI systems function by monitoring shoppers’ movements, identifying suspicious patterns such as concealing items or repeated handling of products without purchase. When the algorithm detects such behavior, it sends a short video clip directly to store employees for review.
“The most effective indicator is concealment,” explains Nelson Lopes, a supermarket manager in Montreuil, Paris. “As soon as concealment is detected, staff are alerted and monitor the cameras more closely.”
The economic impact is significant, with retailers reporting substantial reductions in theft-related losses. Arul Judson, another supermarket owner, estimates that AI has halved his annual losses, while Latifa Gharbi, a pharmacist, claims the technology saves her approximately €4,000 per year, eliminating the need for a dedicated security guard.
Legal Ambiguity and Data Protection
Despite its effectiveness, the widespread use of AI surveillance in French retail spaces exists in a legal gray area. France currently lacks specific legislation authorizing behavioral AI monitoring in commercial settings, nor is there a requirement for stores to inform customers when the technology is deployed.
France’s data protection authority, the CNIL, has warned that such systems collect and analyze personal data on a massive scale, potentially violating data privacy laws without proper legal framework.
Veesion, the French startup behind much of this AI deployment, maintains compliance with European GDPR regulations, arguing that the technology does not perform biometric analysis. However, concerns remain about the extent of data collection and potential misuse.
Balancing Security and Privacy
The debate over AI surveillance comes amid a broader context of rising theft driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Many shopkeepers justify the technology as a necessary security measure to protect their businesses. Some customers also seem unconcerned, viewing the AI as equivalent to traditional security cameras.
“It’s just a security measure for the owner,” says Loan, a shopper in Paris. “If it’s used responsibly, it doesn’t bother me.”
However, lawmakers are beginning to address the issue, considering proposals for a more regulated framework. The question of where security measures end and surveillance begins is likely to remain a contentious topic in France for years to come.
Ultimately, the expansion of AI in French supermarkets highlights a growing tension between commercial interests, data privacy, and the evolving legal landscape of surveillance technology. The absence of clear regulations raises significant questions about transparency and accountability, as businesses increasingly rely on AI to monitor customer behavior in real time.
