When the Street Becomes a Trap: Georgia’s Police, AI Cameras, and Everyday Digital Authoritarianism

Welcome to Georgia, the Land of Unlimited Possibilities

At least when it comes to fining citizens for crossing the street at the wrong time or place. The Georgian government seems determined to turn even the most trivial acts into textbook examples of authoritarian control—of course, with a touch of "digital innovation."

From Midnight Threats to AI Surveillance

Just a few months ago, the police’s methods were simple yet highly effective—and deeply intimidating. Anyone crossing a street at an "undesired" location or time could expect a midnight surprise. Police officers would personally show up—often in the early morning hours—ring the doorbell, and hand-deliver a fine. Imagine a scene straight out of a bad thriller—only without a plot, but with real intimidation.

The aim was clearly not just to punish a supposed traffic violation but to maximize the psychological pressure. After all, what is the Georgian state without its creative methods of disciplining the population?

"Digital Progress" Made in China

But like many things in Georgia, this form of harassment has been "updated." Thanks to close economic cooperation with authoritarian states—hello, Beijing!—Georgia has now switched to a system of AI-powered surveillance cameras. Manufactured in China, these cameras recognize faces, analyze movement patterns, and match them in real-time with state databases. The system knows exactly who crossed the street, when, and where—and sends an automated SMS fine directly to their phone. No human interaction necessary.

Data protection? A western concept, known in Tbilisi at best from reading EU documents—usually just the footnotes.

The Georgian government proudly presents this as "progress": less paperwork, less manpower, more efficiency! That this "efficiency" essentially creates a perfect control regime—one that would make Orwell jealous—is conveniently ignored.

The Big Comparison: Georgia – China – EU

In China, such systems are daily reality. At least there, everyone openly knows the state sees everything—without shame. Georgia, however, finds itself in a strange in-between: officially on a "European path," unofficially speeding down the highway toward a digital police state.

The cameras may come from China, but the political will for surveillance is homegrown.

Conclusion: Welcome to Smart Authoritarianism

What Georgia is building is not a "modern state"—it is a laboratory for authoritarian surveillance in the digital age.

Those who think today’s fines for crossing a street are harmless should ask themselves what this system could be used for tomorrow—and against whom.

The use of Chinese surveillance technology by a government increasingly repressive toward opposition, NGOs, and critical citizens is no coincidence. It is a political decision—against democracy and for control.

And anyone who believes that a text message is less intimidating than a midnight police visit has likely never lived under a government willing to use every possible method of intimidation.

Welcome to Digital Georgia 2025—a country where crossing the street doesn't just lead you to your destination, but straight to your next fine.