Recognize faces and detect weapons: Interior Ministry reveals capabilities of AI-powered cameras
Tengrinews.kz — Around 52,000 surveillance cameras in Kazakhstan use artificial intelligence (AI). The algorithms can recognize wanted and missing persons, as well as detect weapons, smoke, crowds and unattended objects.
The Interior Ministry also said that footage from surveillance cameras can serve as standalone evidence in an administrative offense case.
What violations and events can AI cameras detect
According to the Interior Ministry, facial recognition is used to search for wanted and missing persons, identify violations of migration laws and monitor individuals registered with law enforcement agencies.
The system can also automatically detect:
signs of weapons;
smoke;
crowds of people;
unattended objects;
vehicle movements.
Is video footage enough as evidence
Yes. The Interior Ministry referred to Article 765 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, under which video recordings are among the possible sources of evidence. In some cases, video footage may serve as standalone evidence and may also be sufficient to establish the circumstances of an offense.
Note: Article 765 of the Code of Administrative Offenses is titled “Evidence” and explains what information may be used when considering an administrative case. This includes data obtained using technical equipment, such as footage from a surveillance camera.
The ministry was referring to video footage as evidence. Its response does not state that an algorithm itself determines that a person is guilty or imposes a penalty.
National video monitoring system still being developed
Two years ago, a national video monitoring system was launched in Astana and Almaty. A year ago, plans were announced to introduce an AI-powered system across Kazakhstan.
At the end of October, the government reported that 1.8 million cameras had been installed in Kazakhstan, including 51,000 using video analytics. Their number was expected to increase to 60,000 by the end of the year, while preparations for a nationwide video monitoring system continue. In its response to Tengrinews.kz, the Interior Ministry said there are now around 52,000 AI-enabled cameras.