The German Federal Association of Criminal Investigators (BDK) is advocating for the implementation of AI-powered surveillance systems at railway stations, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of strict legal boundaries, particularly concerning facial recognition technology. The push comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding safety and security enhancements at German transport hubs.
Dirk Peglow, the federal chairman of the BDK, told the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers that modernizing railway stations necessitates more than just improving punctuality; it requires addressing safety concerns through enhanced lighting, camera surveillance and the strategic use of available technological advancements.
A new generation of surveillance systems employing artificial intelligence has recently been deployed in Frankfurt’s main train station, showcasing the potential of the approach. According to Peglow, these systems can automatically identify anomalies, including potentially dangerous situations, unattended luggage and unusual movement patterns.
Peglow stressed that the application of AI-powered surveillance constitutes a “location-based and legally embedded deployment of AI” aligning with pending EU regulations such as the AI Act. He explicitly clarified that real-time biometric facial recognition is not being utilized, but rather a targeted and legally controlled application – for instance, in the search for missing persons or to prevent terrorist threats. Such deployments, he argued, are justifiable when they are transparent, proportionate and purpose-bound.
The BDK believes AI can be a valuable tool for police, proactively highlighting patterns or clues that might otherwise escape human observation. However, he firmly asserted that AI should augment, not replace, human judgment and responsibility. “AI must never be interpreted as an instrument of blanket surveillance, but must serve targeted crime prevention – in accordance with the rule of law and data protection” Peglow cautioned, underscoring the fine line between enhanced security and potential infringements on civil liberties. The introduction of these systems will undoubtedly spark further scrutiny, particularly regarding the long-term implications for privacy and the potential for mission creep beyond the currently defined parameters.