More effort is needed to protect pedestrian privacy in the era of AI

Xingchen Zhang, Zixian Zhao

Keywords: AI, privacy protection, computer vision, pedestrian privacy

Abstract: In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), pedestrian privacy is increasingly at risk. In research areas such as autonomous driving, computer vision, and surveillance, large datasets are often collected in public spaces, capturing pedestrians without consent or anonymization. These datasets are used to train systems that can identify, track, and analyze individuals, often without their knowledge. Although various technical methods and regional regulations have been proposed to address this issue, existing solutions are either insufficient to protect privacy or compromise data utility, thereby limiting their effectiveness for research. In this paper, we argue that more effort is needed to protect pedestrian privacy in the era of AI while maintaining data utility. We call on the AI and computer vision communities to take pedestrian privacy seriously and to rethink how pedestrian data are collected and anonymized. Collaboration with experts in law and ethics will also be essential for the responsible development of AI. Without stronger action, it will become increasingly difficult for individuals to protect their privacy, and public trust in AI may decline.

Lay Summary: In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), pedestrian privacy is increasingly at risk. Large datasets collected for research in autonomous driving, computer vision, and surveillance often capture pedestrians without consent or proper anonymization. Existing anonymization techniques are limited, and current regulations do not fully address new sensing modalities such as thermal or event cameras. This paper argues that stronger actions are needed to protect pedestrian privacy while maintaining data utility. We highlight the need for privacy-preserving technologies, standardized benchmarks, and closer collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and ethicists. Protecting pedestrian privacy is not only vital for human dignity but also essential for sustaining public trust in AI.

Submission Number: 34