The Georgian government has announced plans to significantly expand its digital surveillance infrastructure by deploying facial recognition cameras across the country. The initiative was presented by Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Bodies Mamuka Mdinaradze, who said the technology would be introduced not only in central Tbilisi and along Rustaveli Avenue but also in other regions as part of a broader effort to prevent crime and enhance public security. At the same time, the government revealed plans to procure an advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capable of detecting and neutralizing dozens of drones simultaneously within a range of approximately 5–6 kilometers. According to Mdinaradze, the system is intended to protect government facilities, diplomatic missions, major public events, and senior state officials.

The authorities describe the initiative as the next stage in modernizing Georgia's national security architecture. Government officials noted that secure communications infrastructure for law enforcement and security agencies has already been upgraded, while the planned expansion of intelligent surveillance systems and counter-drone capabilities is expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of Georgian security services and bring them in line with the most advanced regional standards.

The announcement has, however, sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations. Human rights groups point out that facial recognition technology has already been used during recent anti-government demonstrations. According to the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA), footage collected through the surveillance network has served as evidence in administrative proceedings against protesters, while the technology has enabled real-time identification of participants. Rights advocates have repeatedly questioned whether the collection and processing of biometric data comply with Georgia's data protection legislation and international privacy standards.

The debate intensified following an investigation published by AlgorithmWatch in late June, which alleged that part of Georgia's facial recognition infrastructure relies on software supplied by a Moscow-registered company reportedly linked to Russian security services. The report claims that the Polyface facial recognition system, developed by the Russian company Papillon AO, has been used by Georgian authorities to identify participants in anti-government protests. Opposition politicians have cited the investigation as evidence of potential external influence over Georgia's digital surveillance infrastructure. The Georgian government has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Security analysts note that Georgia's initiative reflects a broader global trend toward integrating artificial intelligence into public security systems. Modern facial recognition platforms can automatically identify wanted individuals, detect suspicious behavior, and rapidly transmit information to command-and-control centers. At the same time, the growing proliferation of commercial drones and evolving aerial threats have prompted governments worldwide to invest in electronic warfare, detection, and interception technologies designed to protect critical infrastructure and public gatherings.

At the same time, the expansion of digital surveillance is expected to intensify the debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties. In Georgia, the issue carries particular political sensitivity, as the deployment of biometric surveillance technologies comes amid persistent domestic political tensions and ongoing criticism of law enforcement practices. As a result, the government's new security modernization program is likely to become not only a major investment in national security capabilities but also one of the country's most controversial domestic policy initiatives in recent years.

CCBS Expert Group

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03.07.2026 03:12