AI Video Analytics 101 | Blog Series Part 3 | C2RO

Part 3: Why Data Privacy Compliance is Critical for AI Video Analytics Solutions

In part 2 of this series, we discussed the competitive advantages of an AI video analytics solution for extracting data on the behavior of people and their socio-demographic in public or private physical facilities in comparison to other people tracking technologies. This week, we are going to cover why data privacy compliance is critical for AI video analytics.

Trusting AI video analytics through data privacy compliance

The ability of video analytics technologies to provide more qualitative insights in an automated and passive manner using cameras leaves them at risk of capturing identifiable biometric information such as face images of the visitors, making them more intrusive than other people tracking technologies. Moreover, with the key applications of video analytics being in large public and private facilities, obtaining the written or verbal consent from individuals is nearly impossible due to the sheer volume and frequency at which individuals enter and exit the space, and even if businesses were to do so, it would have a negative effect on the experience and impression of visitors. Therefore, selecting a video analytics technology provider that offers aggregated and anonymous insights that are truly compliant with data privacy regulations, will not only build trust among the public and potential customers of a business but also enable the widespread adoption of this powerful technology in various market segments.

The rise of data privacy regulations

In response to the emergence and development of advanced data analysis technologies like video analytics, stringent data privacy regulations such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Canada’s Privacy Act, have been set in place to protect individuals' right to privacy. These regulations seek to tackle the transparency issues around organizations that collect, track or handle personal data, providing all actors with clear guidelines on how the technology can be used without violating individuals’ privacy rights. Video analytics technology providers that have successfully developed trust among the market and strong customer relationships did so by adopting a “Privacy by Design” principle where data privacy regulations are embedded at the core of their business and technology.

Tackling data privacy regulations strategically

This requires the organization to understand what aspects of their solution’s architecture and technology are at risk of violating individuals’ privacy rights, as well as have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) to help align and supervise technology development and operations decisions with data privacy standards and best practices. Moreover, the necessary approved legal documentation, such as a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), which audits a company’s organizational, technical and physical safety measures related to the technology should be made available for customers to review, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations before any solution deployment. Although many technology providers may see such regulations as a significant barrier, such guidelines enable the technology to advance while still respecting individuals’ right to privacy, and if tackled strategically can become a key differentiator and sustainable competitive advantage while accelerating the technology adoption.

About the AI Video Analytics Series

In this series, ­C2RO shares their expertise, as a thought leader and recognized pioneer in AI video analytics technology, on how AI-powered video analytics (e.g., AI Video Analytics) is transforming indoor physical spaces by providing businesses with a 360-degree view into people behavior and business operations insights. In part 4 of this series, we’re going to introduce the key applications of AI video analytics, starting with Public Safety, and how its key advantages such as scalability and simple integration to existing hardware infrastructure can benefit these markets.