Cannes is prioritizing public health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with a tech startup to install surveillance cameras that detect individuals not wearing masks ahead of deconfinement.
Deconfinement began on May 11, 2020, making masks mandatory on public transport and strongly recommended in shops. To prepare, Cannes announced this initiative in an official press release (PDF in French / 2 pages) on April 26, 2020.
For two weeks, the city's outdoor markets—Forville, Gambetta, and La Bocca—have been monitored by these cameras. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard reports promising results: on April 26, 74% of visitors wore masks.
The goal is to enable a gradual, secure resumption of activities. The system has also been installed on a city bus for public transport monitoring.
Cannes enlisted Datakalab, a Paris-based computer vision specialist. Their algorithm-powered solution uses compact cameras and mini-computers to process images on-site, identifying mask compliance in public spaces.
Security teams receive real-time alerts via SMS or email, providing an overview of mask-wearing trends throughout the day, accessible via a digital dashboard.
Datakalab conducted a GDPR impact study to ensure regulatory compliance. The technology avoids facial recognition, focusing solely on mask detection without identifying individuals.
Critically, no images are stored, eliminating the need for prefecture declaration. Both the startup and city hall confirm this. Datakalab notes Cannes as a pioneer, with the Île-de-France region expressing strong interest.
