2024 Olympic Games in Paris: security vs. data protection

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris bring with them a multitude of organizational challenges.
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The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris bring with them a number of organizational challenges. The French data protection authority CNIL provides an overview of the most important security measures and the impact on data protection.

Intelligent cameras in use

The law on the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (loi JOP 2024) provides for various measures that primarily serve the security and protection of the games.

A central element of the security measures is the use of "enhanced" cameras, which were authorized by the JOP Act of 19 May 2023. These cameras are equipped with software for automatic image analysis. It enables the automatic detection of certain predefined events. Specifically, eight events can be detected:

  • Items left behind
  • Possession or use of weapons
  • Non-observance of the direction of travel by a person or vehicle
  • the crossing or presence of a person or vehicle in a restricted or sensitive area
  • a person lying on the ground after a fall
  • a crowd
  • too high a density of people
  • Outbreak of a fire


These extended cameras may only be used to secure major events where there is a particularly high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition, the devices may only be used at the event venues, in their surroundings and in means of transport. It is also possible to use them on drones.

Detected events are reported to authorized officials. They check the events and decide whether further measures are required.

The data collected by these extended cameras can be stored for a maximum of one year. They are also intended to improve the quality of the recognition algorithms. As the CNIL emphasizes, facial recognition by the extended cameras is expressly excluded in order to guarantee the data protection of participants and visitors.

The extended cameras are also to be used at other sporting, leisure and cultural events (e.g. concerts). This is possible under the JOP Act until March 31, 2025.

Access controls during the Olympic Games in Paris

During the Olympic Games, access to certain areas in Paris and the surrounding suburbs will be restricted and controlled. People who wish to enter these zones must apply for a pass with a QR code. The following personal data will be collected:

  • First and last name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Address and e-mail
  • Phone number
  • a photo
  • Reason and proof of access to the zone (proof of residence, proof of employer, etc.);
  • Number and a copy of the identity card, driving license, passport or residence permit
  • Date and time of entry and exit to the security area.


The following data can be collected for vehicles:

  • license plate number
  • Make, model, type and color of the vehicle
  • Copy of the registration certificate

The data collected will be stored for three months after the end of the event. An exception is a copy of the identity card, which is only stored until the pass is sent.

Use of body scanners

When accessing certain locations during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, visitors can choose whether they wish to be searched for prohibited items using a body scanner. This is intended to facilitate access to these locations.

In any case, visitors must give their express consent before using the body scanner. If consent is refused, the visitor may be subjected to another control measure, e.g. a manual pat-down.

According to the CNIL, the images from the scanner may not be recorded or saved.

CNIL informs about data subjects' rights

The CNIL points out that the persons concerned cannot oppose the pass system or the analysis of the image by the "enhanced" cameras. The possibility of opposing the various systems used by the authorities would not allow the authorities to pursue their security objectives.

However, data subjects may subsequently assert their rights of access, erasure, rectification or restriction with the controller.

In addition, during the Olympic Games, the CNIL constantly monitors the measures taken to ensure data protection and the transparent and secure organization of the Games. If the CNIL discovers violations during its inspections, it may take all sanctions provided for by law to ensure compliance.

Link tip: CNIL answers the most important questions about the 2024 Olympic Games

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