In light of rapidly advancing technology, cities worldwide are increasingly adopting smart solutions to enhance public safety. The capital of Morocco, Rabat, is gearing up to utilize an advanced surveillance system based on facial recognition technology and other cutting-edge methods. This initiative raises questions about balancing security requirements with individual privacy rights and the protection of personal data.
The Rabat Urban Development Agency has announced the final results of international tender A016/RRA/2025, related to implementing a video surveillance system in Rabat. The aim is to bolster urban security through a sophisticated surveillance network that incorporates the latest technologies. The project involves the installation of a wide range of intelligent surveillance cameras throughout various areas of the city. It also includes equipping advanced command centers and data processing facilities that meet international standards, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of information utilizing artificial intelligence technologies.
Ali Arjdall, a researcher specializing in privacy issues, explained that according to Law 09.08 concerning data protection, exceptions exist that allow for processing personal data in cases related to national and internal security or crime prevention. He noted that these exceptions could encompass using smart cameras in public spaces, considering the right to image within privacy rights classified as personal data.
Moreover, Arjdall highlighted that “the law clearly indicates that the processing of personal data for national security purposes does not require the same regulatory procedures imposed on other types of personal data.” He further stated that even though security is a practical exception in both Moroccan and French laws, monitoring personal data remains a sensitive issue in democracies that aim to protect individual liberties.
Other countries, like France, have established specialized authorities, such as the National Commission on Informatics and Liberties (CNIL), to ensure that the use of data about citizens adheres to regular monitoring and evaluation. Arjdall remarked that although security may constitute a legal exception in Moroccan law, the governance of personal data remains a critical matter that requires careful attention, given the broad latitude allowed in exceptions and how stringent they are enforced.
Looking at various international experiences, he explained that employing smart surveillance systems elsewhere, particularly in China and certain European nations, has sparked debates concerning the limits of using these technologies in security contexts, especially regarding facial recognition, which poses risks of civil liberties violations if not governed by a precise legal framework or if delegated to private companies.
Despite these concerns, Arjdall concluded, “Law 09.08 permits such exceptions and does not consider them illegal, as they pertain to internal security and crime suppression. Hence, this matter does not contravene the law. However, it is vital to define objectives clearly and ensure transparency in data usage.”
The National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection has also begun issuing proposals regarding the use of artificial intelligence in personal data processing, following an international comparative study and consultations with various authorities. This step aims to regulate technology use while respecting individuals' fundamental rights.
To facilitate dialogue, the Commission will hold a series of focused hearings involving national and international experts specializing in artificial intelligence and data protection, alongside scientific bodies, professional institutions, and active civil society organizations. They encourage stakeholders to express their interest in participation via email, promoting an inclusive approach to the regulatory process.
Article 24 of the Moroccan Constitution explicitly states, “Everyone has the right to protection of their private life,” forming the bedrock of the national legal framework concerning personal data protection. This framework was reinforced by establishing the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection, which was enacted under Dahir number 1.09.15, published in the official gazette on February 18, 2009. Law 09.08 aims to protect individuals from the processing of personal data and was published in official gazette number 5714 on March 5, 2009.
This interest in safeguarding personal data comes amid the swift development of artificial intelligence technologies being increasingly adopted across various sectors, presenting legal and ethical challenges in ensuring individuals' rights to digital privacy. Promoting transparency, integrity, relevance, and readability are essential principles when using AI for personal data processing, particularly regarding decisions that directly impact individuals' lives, such as in job systems, data analysis, and automated decisions in sectors like health and finance.
In conclusion, ensuring data protection amid rapid tech advancements poses a pressing challenge. Rabat's move towards smart surveillance may enhance public security but must navigate potential privacy infringements that may occur. The discussions and implementations led by various commissions promise a regulated approach balancing innovation with the preservation of individual rights.
