With AI, jets and police squadrons, Paris is securing the Olympics — and worrying critics

Squadrons of police, fighter jets, soldiers and imposing metal security barriers on both sides of the River Seine will be used to make Paris 'the safest place in the world' during the Games, but surveillance cameras and AI systems are worrying campaigners

The Olympic Rings on the Eiffel Tower in Paris for the Games which run from July 26 to August 11. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA 

A year ago, the head of the Paris Olympics boldly declared that France’s capital would be “the safest place in the world" when the Games open this Friday. 

Tony Estanguet’s confident forecast looks less far-fetched now with squadrons of police patrolling Paris’ streets, fighter jets and soldiers primed to scramble, and imposing metal-fence security barriers erected like an iron curtain on both sides of the River Seine that will star in the opening show.