Seoul to deploy AI to detect potential suicides on bridges

The authorities of the South Korean capital, in partnership with the Seoul Institute of Technology, will embed artificial intelligence in the city’s surveillance system to detect and prevent suicide attempts on its bridges. Reuters.

A system of AI, developed since 2020, analyses behavioural patterns by examining data from cameras, sensors and rescue-service reports. According to lead researcher Kim Jun-chul, based on footage from video cameras and assessments of such cues as a person’s movements, the algorithm can forecast a dangerous situation and immediately alert the emergency services.

“We believe the new system will enable our teams to identify cases faster and respond to calls more promptly,” said Kim Hyeong-gil (Kim Hyeong-gil), head of the rescue team.

The algorithm is slated to be connected to video cameras on all of Seoul’s bridges by the end of 2021.

Data-security experts criticised the tool. Former Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian said that AI-enabled video surveillance “invades privacy.”

“People should be fully aware that their identities and actions are recorded as they walk along this bridge,” the expert says.

American lawyer David Fraser adheres to a different view. He says the technology “is intended to save lives,” but adds that the programme should be “closely monitored.”

In 2019, South Korea recorded the highest suicide rate on record, with government data showing more than 13,700 people took their own lives. In Seoul, there are about 500 suicide attempts annually on 27 bridges over the Han River.

Earlier in June, South Korea’s authorities announced that they would deploy autonomous robots with artificial intelligence to patrol the border with North Korea.

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