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Governing and Surveilling: Towards an Auditing Framework for Algorithmic Accountability in Urban Surveillance Technology

Report made by researchers as part of the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Applied Research Project

Algorithmic surveillance, which involves the use of computer power in surveillance, has become increasingly common in urban areas. This approach exacerbates the trade-off between security and individual rights, promising to be more cost-effective and improve public security, while also being more pervasive and intrusive. However, little research has been conducted to establish effective oversight frameworks to ensure the responsible use of algorithmic surveillance technologies.

This report aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the elements that should be included in an algorithmic auditing framework to assess the responsible use of algorithmic tools in urban surveillance. To do this, the researchers analysed and compared 17 existing auditing frameworks for surveillance, algorithms and artificial intelligence, and developed a best practice framework for algorithmic surveillance technologies (AST). They then applied this framework to the algorithmic surveillance used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their findings suggest that while there is no official requirement to conduct an audit, several elements would satisfy an audit according to their best practice framework.The proposed audit framework offers a promising approach to ensuring the responsible implementation of AST in urban contexts.