Tech billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has made bold predictions about the future of surveillance, suggesting that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize monitoring and ensure citizen compliance. Speaking at an Oracle financial analysts meeting, Ellison stated that AI would provide constant supervision, reporting any issues to the appropriate authorities. He believes that citizens will be compelled to behave appropriately due to the constant recording and reporting of their actions.
While surveillance systems such as security cameras and bodycams are already in place, Ellison envisions a future where AI algorithms monitor these feeds extensively, providing additional support to intelligence agencies and law enforcement. Ellison even suggested that autonomous drones could replace patrol officers in certain situations, reducing risks associated with pursuits.
It is worth noting that Ellison’s net worth exceeds $200 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Oracle, under his leadership, has been actively integrating AI into its cloud computing services, positioning itself as a key player in the AI race. Ellison’s vision aligns with the corporation’s ambitions to oversee citizens as part of a broader AI-driven surveillance network.
However, Oracle has faced legal challenges related to surveillance practices in the past. In 2022, the company settled a lawsuit alleging that it operated a global surveillance machine, collecting and sharing billions of individuals’ personal information with third parties. The settlement required Oracle to pay $115 million.