Kazakhstan has launched a national video monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence technologies. The project, developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Security Committee, and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, aims to enhance surveillance capabilities across key locations in the country.
The system is designed to recognize faces, detect abandoned objects, capture offenses, and identify vehicles by make, model, and color. Critical sites such as railway stations, airports, hotels, streets, intersections, and shopping malls are priority areas for implementation.
During the World Nomad Games in Astana, the technology was reportedly instrumental in locating lost children and missing persons. Authorities also noted that the system helped detain 46 wanted individuals in Astana and 30 in Almaty. Proponents argue that these technologies could contribute to improving public safety and reducing crime.
Kazakhstan’s initiative follows a broader global trend of integrating AI into “smart city” systems, similar to developments in China, Russia, and some European countries. Officials say the system will be expanded with additional cameras nationwide to increase monitoring coverage.
To date, more than 1.3 million video cameras have been installed in Kazakhstan, with 310,000 of them connected to operational control centers and police duty stations. Advocates of the system highlight its potential to deter crime and bolster public security, although concerns about privacy and misuse of surveillance technology have been raised internationally.
Worldwide, AI video surveillance systems are being adopted to improve law enforcement and public safety. In China, they are used for facial recognition to track criminals and prevent offenses. Russia has integrated AI into its video systems to detect potential threats, while in the UK, intelligent cameras are used for crowd management and event security.
While supporters emphasize the benefits of such systems in enabling faster responses to incidents and reducing crime, the deployment of AI in surveillance has sparked ongoing debates over privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for misuse.
