Berlin police launch artificial intelligence surveillance in high-crime areas despite political opposition

Berlin police launched an artificial intelligence-based surveillance pilot project on Thursday, targeting areas with high crime rates in the German capital. The system does not use facial recognition; instead, it analyzes movements captured by cameras to automatically identify possible acts of violence or vandalism.

The technology, described by authorities as “spatial AI,” is intended to distinguish dangerous incidents from ordinary situations, such as a person falling or a football being kicked. The cameras are connected to inactive screens that display information only when the system issues an alert. A police officer will then decide whether intervention is necessary.

Police leadership justified the project by citing an increase in the number of calls and a shortage of personnel. To comply with strict data protection laws, sensitive areas, including building entrances, will be anonymized.

The initiative is opposed by the Die Linke party and the Greens, who fear the emergence of a “mega-database” and the expansion of state surveillance. After approximately four weeks of installation and configuration, testing will begin in the Kotti district, known for its nightlife and drug traffic. The system could later be expanded to other areas considered to have high crime rates.