Shabana Mahmood proposes AI 'Panopticon' system of state surveillance (www.thenational.scot)

Shabana Mahmood, the UK's Home Secretary, has proposed creating an AI-driven "Panopticon" surveillance system that would allow state oversight over citizens at all times, reminiscent of Jeremy Bentham's 18th-century vision. In a recent interview, she expressed confidence in using artificial intelligence for law enforcement, suggesting a "Minority Report-style" approach that aims to predict and prevent crimes before they occur. Mahmood highlighted ongoing efforts to roll out live facial recognition technology and emphasized AI's potential to enhance public safety by combating criminal activity proactively. This announcement raises significant concerns within the AI/ML and civil liberties communities, as it suggests a shift towards a more authoritarian, surveillance-heavy state. Critics argue that such systems could infringe on privacy rights and risk being applied broadly to the public rather than being limited to known criminals. Furthermore, police chiefs are exploring predictive policing, similar to the dystopian elements depicted in "Minority Report," aiming to monitor high-risk individuals. The implications of implementing such technology could fundamentally alter the balance between security and personal liberty, stirring a heated debate about the ethical boundaries of AI in surveillance.