Open Environment Poses Significant Security Challenge
The opening ceremony is the first of its kind in the world, being held in an open environment instead of in a stadium. Initially, 600,000 people were expected to attend the Paris Olympics Opening ceremony, during which the athletes and delegations would sail along the Seine River to kick off the games. Some 160 boats will set off in the evening of July 26 with 10,500 athletes from the Pont Austerlitz for a one-hour, six-kilometer journey to the Pont d'Iena, then ending with a ceremony at the Trocadero. These Opening events are designed to reinforce the policy of openness for all, a guiding policy for these Paris games.
In recent months, however, due to increased security concerns, the scale of the original plan has been significantly reduced to half the number of spectators. All seats are to be allocated on an invitation-only basis and will not be freely available for sign-up.
Even with the smaller scale of the opening ceremony, the event still poses a significant security challenge. The interior minister said France will deploy 35,000 security agents and increase the number of military forces deployed on Operations Sentinelle, with the addition of private contractors, to secure the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony from various security threats, including drone strikes. Many security investigations are also underway before the games start. As of mid-April, President Macron said that the Opening events may be reduced in scale or moved, depending on the security situation.
Advanced Surveillance Technology
There will be an increase in the use of high-tech surveillance and additional security solutions, including CCTV cameras and drones. The French Air Force trialed a system for the surveillance and neutralization of drones, during the recent Rugby World Cup, in preparation for the Games.
Sophisticated monitoring systems are in place to monitor public spaces, venues, and critical infrastructure. A law dated 19 May 2023 approves using AI-augmented cameras to detect predetermined events in real-time (such as crowd movements, an abandoned bag, or suspicious behavior) in places hosting demonstrations, in their surroundings, and on public transport, but the use of facial recognition has been denied.
Terrorism and Cyber Threats
France experienced Europe’s worst terrorist attacks in 2015-16 and has since seen occasional lone-wolf events. France also had the most nationals traveling to join the Islamic State in recent years. Still, the country has one of the most comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism forces. This year, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East add a significantly increased focus. However, in March, the Ministry of the Interior stressed that there was no current specific known threat.
The Paris Olympics will also be the first fully digital games. Hackers have targeted previous events with massive and sustained cyber-attacks. The war between Russia and Ukraine could present increased risks to the 2024 games; in recent weeks France has experienced significant cyber-attacks, which authorities have attributed to Russian-backed hackers. Russian and Belarussian athletes are only allowed to participate as neutrals, unaligned to their countries.
Civil Unrest
France experienced significant civil unrest through 2023. In the first half of the year, unions and opposition parties led nationwide strikes and demonstrations denouncing the government’s proposed pension reforms. The multi-sector strikes resulted in significant disruptions, primarily to rail and air travel. In the summer, there was a series of protests and riots following the shooting of a young man by police. From October, as in many other European nations, a campaign of pro-Palestinian, pro-peace, and pro-Israel demonstrations impacted Paris and other major cities. Further protests and industrial action are likely through 2024 and may impact the Olympic games, including the Opening ceremony.
Advice for Organizations
For organizations involved in the games, prioritizing attendee safety is essential. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to the event location and context. This assessment should inform the development of a robust security plan.
Collaborative Approach: Foster effective communication and collaboration among various security agencies, both national and international. Establish clear lines of communication and coordination to ensure a unified response to security incidents.
Technology Integration: Embrace technological advancements to enhance security measures. Implement surveillance systems, and AI-powered monitoring tools to detect and mitigate security threats in real-time.
Training and Preparedness: Invest in comprehensive training programs for security personnel and staff members. Ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to security incidents.
Public Awareness and Communication: Keep attendees informed about security protocols and emergency procedures. Establish clear channels of communication for disseminating information and updates before, during, and after the event.
Contingency Planning: Develop contingency plans to address various security scenarios, including terrorist threats, civil unrest, and natural disasters. Regularly review and update these plans to adapt to evolving security challenges.
By prioritizing safety and implementing proactive security measures, organizations can help ensure that attendees enjoy a memorable and secure event.
Crisis24 supports organizations attending large-scale events and closely monitors potential threats, ranging from terrorism to cyber-attacks, civil unrest, and crime. Learn more about Crisis24's dedicated Dynamic Intelligence and Technology Solution.
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