Security News > 2021 > January > New AI software can turn regular security cameras into COVID-19 policy enforcement points

Peachtree Corners, GA, a city northeast of Atlanta known for its pioneering use of smart city technology, is adding a new tool to its lineup: Artificial intelligence-powered software that gives security cameras the ability to tell if people are violating COVID-19 regulations.

The software, created by UK-based CCTV tech company Cawamo, can be used on any security camera, meaning there's no need to buy new hardware in order to use it.

Cawamo's software is capable of performing a number of different analyses on camera feeds, like fire and smoke detection, parking compliance, people counting, and even what it calls "Suspected robbery detection."

Peachtree Corners is rolling Cawamo-powered COVID-19 policy enforcement to its cameras at city hall at first, which Peachtree Corners CTO and assistant city manager Brandon Branham said shows how technology can solve problems without violating privacy.

"Our highest priority, and the aim of a smart city concept overall, is the safety and security of our residents, and we firmly believe this technology will help us maintain important public safety protocols as we work to slow the spread of the virus. Allowing us to instantly convert existing cameras into smart cameras also shows promise for wider deployment across the city, in addition to within workplaces in the near future," Branham said.

CBS News reported on privacy concerns surrounding security cameras a decade ago, citing one Chicago paramedic who said cameras in the city in 2010 were able to zoom up to 32x optically and 184x digitally, giving birds-eye cameras the ability to clearly recognize license plates.

News URL

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/new-ai-software-can-turn-regular-security-cameras-into-covid-19-policy-enforcement-points/#ftag=RSS56d97e7