Toulouse tests new surveillance system

The city of Toulouse has started testing an advanced video surveillance system developed by Orasio, a startup co-founded by Florian Fournier. The system, used by the municipal police from March 22, 2025, to February 1, 2026, includes 710 cameras, 43 video protection operators, and a central surveillance center. It aims to improve traditional surveillance methods, which have shown limited success in reducing crime, according to a study with the gendarmerie.

AI analyzes video feeds

Orasio’s system uses artificial intelligence to analyze video feeds in real time and after events. It can detect and classify individuals and vehicles, offering two modes: real-time alerts for specific situations like weapons or crowd density, and post-event analysis to search for vehicles or people. Toulouse chose the post-event mode for its experiment, as outlined in a municipal decision dated December 6, 2025, which allowed free use of the software.

Criticism over legal and privacy concerns

The experiment has drawn criticism from opposition members, who raised concerns about legal uncertainties and the potential misuse of public resources. Odile Maurin questioned the lack of legal frameworks and independent oversight, while Antoine Maurice highlighted the absence of public consent and transparency in processing personal data. The deliberation on the project was brief, lasting only ten minutes in the council.

Technology used in military contexts

Orasio’s technology is also used in military and confidential settings, including deployment in Ukraine for facial recognition. The software can process natural language queries, helping operators detect stationary individuals, sudden gatherings, or describe clothing. It uses an unsupervised machine learning model trained on internet images, expanding its surveillance capabilities. The company’s director, Gabriel Philippe, noted the software’s ability to detect specific behaviors like running or groups of people.

Legal concerns about the system

Bastien Le Querrec from La Quadrature du Net warned that if the software allows real-time detection alongside post-event analysis, the experiment might be illegal due to the "contamination effect" of functionalities. Orasio stated its software complies with regulations and that no biometric recognition or real-time analysis was used in Toulouse. The city confirmed the use of post-event analysis for license plates, clothing, and individuals but did not provide specific results or an effectiveness assessment.

City seeks advanced surveillance solutions

Toulouse’s current tender for modernizing its surveillance infrastructure requires solutions that can detect movement, recognize license plates, and efficiently use video recordings in real time and after events. This aligns with Orasio’s commercial goals, as the company offers both real-time and post-event analysis in its software for a cost of 20,000 euros per commune, with annual fees of 400 to 500 euros per camera.