In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Axis Communications has unveiled its latest research titled ‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance,’ which delves into the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the realms of security, protection, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. This study not only highlights the transformative potential of AI technologies but also addresses the ethical considerations that accompany their implementation.
According to Axis Communications, the adoption of AI in video surveillance has surged significantly over the past two years, driven by a growing demand from the market and enhanced understanding of its applications. Mats Thulin, Director of AI & Analytics Solutions at Axis, stated, “AI remains one of the most powerful and transformative technologies in the field of video surveillance. While there are substantial opportunities for AI to improve security, protection, operational efficiency, and business intelligence, this new research reveals how crucial it is to commit to the ethical use of this technology and integrations that generate real value.”
The research identifies AI and generative AI, alongside cybersecurity, risks, privacy, and analytics, as the most significant trends shaping the video surveillance sector. Notably, 34% of end customers view AI and generative AI as game-changers for their business. This sentiment is echoed by channel experts, with 62% categorizing these technologies as among the most significant trends, and 66% of top management figures from channel partners identifying them as the primary trend in the industry.
One of the key findings of the research is the acceleration towards cloud and edge AI. This transition is largely motivated by the need for greater scalability, faster processing, and improved bandwidth utilization. The hybrid model, which merges the immediate processing capabilities of edge AI with the scalability and long-term data storage of the cloud, is emerging as the preferred approach for many businesses, allowing them to leverage the strengths of both technologies.
Moreover, the integration of additional sensory data, such as audio and environmental context, is expected to enhance scene assessment capabilities. Experts believe that this approach will revolutionize security and protection while elevating business intelligence capabilities. By combining multiple data streams, organizations can more accurately detect and predict potential threats. For instance, in emergency scenarios, the pairing of visual data with audio analysis can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of responses from security teams.
The research also highlights the increasing adoption of facial recognition technology across various countries, facilitated by new regulations that clarify how this technology can be ethically applied. Experts interviewed by Axis predict that facial recognition will continue to gain traction globally, although alignment with privacy regulations and greater transparency regarding the technology's workings are essential. Ethical considerations surrounding facial recognition remain a central concern, especially in regions with stringent privacy laws.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the responsible and ethical use of AI is seen as a fundamental priority in the development and dissemination of AI systems. Many respondents expressed concerns that AI-driven decisions could be biased or unreliable. Other risks include privacy violations, particularly with functions like facial recognition and behavior analysis that could lead to legal and ethical issues. A recurring theme among interviewees is the importance of embedding responsible AI practices from the outset of development processes, prioritizing fairness, transparency, and data privacy protection from the beginning, rather than integrating these aspects later on.
While the introduction of clear regulations has been widely recognized as necessary for building trust and accountability, several respondents also underscored the need for a balanced approach that safeguards innovation while addressing privacy and data security challenges.
In another dimension of the technological landscape, cyber security has emerged as a strategic priority for businesses, governments, and individuals in 2025. The increasing connectivity, the rise of AI, extensive cloud usage, and the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT) have created new opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities.
AI is increasingly utilized to identify threats in real-time, analyze anomalous patterns, and automate incident responses. However, cyber attackers are also leveraging machine learning to refine phishing techniques, develop adaptive malware, and create more convincing deepfakes. This ongoing battle between defensive and offensive AI has become a reality.
The traditional security model, which focused on perimeter protection, is now outdated. In 2025, the Zero Trust model has become the standard, built on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Under this model, every user or device, even those within the network, must be continuously authenticated and authorized. This approach is particularly effective in a world dominated by hybrid work and remote access.
Ransomware remains one of the primary threats in the cyber landscape, with the emergence of the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. This model enables criminal developers to sell or rent their malicious code to third parties, facilitating attacks even by less experienced hackers. Victims are no longer limited to large corporations or public entities; small professional studios and private individuals are increasingly targeted.
In response, companies are shifting their focus not only on prevention but also on cyber resilience—the ability to react swiftly, contain an attack, and resume operations. Having updated incident response plans, secure backups, and crisis teams has become essential practice.
Moreover, attacks on digital supply chains are on the rise. In 2025, security extends beyond individual organizations to involve suppliers, technology partners, and external services. Hackers often target less protected entities to gain entry into the systems of larger companies, making risk assessment related to suppliers and transparency in data management crucial.
As the landscape of AI and cybersecurity continues to evolve, the intersection of these technologies presents both opportunities and challenges. The emphasis on ethical considerations, responsible use, and adaptability will be vital as industries navigate this complex environment.