Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has shared his vision of the future of AI-based surveillance tools. This was reported by Ars Technica with reference to Business Insider.
During a meeting with investors, Larry Ellison described a world in which AI systems will constantly monitor people through an extensive network of cameras and drones. This, he believes, will ensure that both police and citizens do not break the law.
The Oracle co-founder described a scenario in which AI models would analyze recordings from surveillance cameras, police body cameras, doorbell cameras, and vehicle DVRs.
"Citizens will be on their best behavior because we are constantly recording and reporting everything that's going on," he said about the benefits he sees in automated surveillance using AI and automatic alerts about crimes in progress.
He added that each police officer will also be under constant supervision, and if a problem arises, "AI will report the problem and report it to the appropriate person."
The 80-year-old billionaire also predicted that AI-controlled drones would replace police cars in high-speed chases.
"You just have a drone follow the car," he explained. "It's very simple in the age of autonomous drones."
Although the Oracle co-founder tried to present the outlook for general surveillance of society in a positive light, his remarks raise questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse in the world of AI-assisted monitoring.
Ellison's vision is also similar to the world depicted in George Orwell's novel 1984. In the novel, the totalitarian government of Oceania uses television screens to constantly monitor citizens, creating a society in which privacy no longer exists and independent thought becomes almost impossible.