A lens equipped with artificial intelligence has been installed in a public area in Seoul, as announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Town officials revealed plans on Thursday to potentially increase the deployment of surveillance cameras supported by artificial intelligence to prevent and deter criminal activities.
In an effort to reduce blind spots in crime monitoring, the Seoul Metropolitan Government unveiled its initiative to augment the existing closed-circuit television camera network with advanced artificial intelligence technology in public parks and along hiking trails across the city. These cutting-edge cameras have the capability to promptly transmit images to the city’s police, fire, and disaster security operation centers upon detecting movements such as loitering, falls, or even assaults. Control centers have been established by Seoul in 25 districts to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of emergencies.
By the year 2026, a total of 10,657 AI-equipped cameras will be strategically positioned in parks and hiking trails, areas identified with higher crime rates compared to others. An initial 4,748 devices are slated for installation by 2024.
Furthermore, the city authorities are planning to replace outdated security cameras with the new AI-powered cameras. Specifically, surveillance cameras with resolutions lower than 1.3 million pixels will be phased out. As of 2023, over 160,000 surveillance monitors are already operational in the city, with an additional 15,000 units scheduled for installation the following year. Over the next three years, the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to replace a total of 85,000 non-AI devices, incurring a total expenditure of $126.5 million.
Kim Jin-man, the head of the Digital Policy Bureau, emphasized the role of cameras in safeguarding people’s well-being and security. This comprehensive initiative aims to eliminate blind spots and enhance protection against criminal activities.
These security enhancements are integral to the ongoing efforts to combat serious crimes. In a tragic incident on a walking route near Gwanaksan in southern Seoul last August, an unidentified male assaulted and murdered a female instructor. Subsequently, he confessed to selecting the location due to its lack of security measures. Mayor Oh Se-Hoon has pledged to take decisive actions to prevent future incidents in such vulnerable areas and to swiftly bolster security following the harrowing event.
