Georgia Expands Surveillance Network Amid Privacy and Security Concerns

Large computer monitor displaying a grid of grayscale facial images, likely depicting facial recognition or computer vision technology, with a keyboard and cables in the foreground creating a moody, technological scene.

A new report from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tbilisi bureau has revealed a significant expansion of Georgia’s surveillance infrastructure, raising concerns about privacy, security vulnerabilities, and potential misuse of collected data.

According to the report, Georgia has substantially increased its deployment of surveillance cameras, particularly in areas experiencing ongoing protests. The expansion coincides with new legal amendments tightening restrictions on public assemblies and increasing penalties for violations.

The investigation reveals limited transparency regarding camera control, capabilities, and data handling. While the government states that facial recognition technology is only used at airports and border crossings through an EU-funded NEC system, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reportedly uses facial recognition tools from Papillon Systems, a company with alleged Russian intelligence connections.

Most surveillance cameras in Georgia are manufactured by Hikvision and Dahua Technology, Chinese companies under U.S. sanctions and banned in Denmark, the UK, and Australia. Neotech, Hikvision’s official Georgian distributor, supplies cameras to major cities including Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Gori.

Security experts have identified system vulnerabilities. An IT specialist cited in the report indicated that between 70-80 percent of government agencies use Chinese surveillance cameras susceptible to hacking. The specialist referenced a BBC experiment showing a professional hacker could breach a Hikvision camera system in under one minute.

As of January 1, 2024, Georgia requires surveillance camera installation for businesses with turnover exceeding 500,000 GEL. This mandate has applied to casinos, medical institutions, markets, shopping centers, and financial service providers, with data retention requirements of one to six months.

Former State Inspector Londa Toloraia’s review of surveillance footage handling between 2018-2020 found that 80 percent of cases involved illegal processing. The review documented systemic issues with the MIA’s data handling, including unauthorized access to private business footage and selective availability of recordings.

Source: Civil Georgia

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February 7, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim

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