Top 10+ Most-Watched Countries With AI Surveillance—and 3 Where Privacy Still Prevails

China's Digital Surveillance Empire

When you think of AI surveillance, China probably comes to mind first—and for good reason. China is a major driver of AI surveillance worldwide, with technology linked to Chinese companies—particularly Huawei, Hikvision, Dahua, and ZTE—supplying AI surveillance technology in sixty-three countries, thirty-six of which have signed onto China's Belt and Road Initiative.

China ranks 5 out of 40 on the list of facial recognition technology users, which is hardly unexpected given its reputation as a significant provider, where the government and law enforcement agencies extensively employ this technology, sometimes resorting to intrusive video surveillance methods. As of 2019, it was estimated that 200 million monitoring CCTV cameras of the "Skynet" system had been put to use in mainland China, four times as many as the surveillance cameras in the United States, with state media claiming that Skynet is the largest video surveillance system in the world, utilizing facial recognition technology and big data analysis.

The system even tracks people for minor offenses—an illustrative case involves Suzhou, which used technology to publicly humiliate seven individuals for venturing outside in their pajamas, subsequently sharing their images on its WeChat account by employing Facial Recognition Technology to identify these individuals.

The United States: More Watched Than Expected

AI surveillance technology supplied by U.S. firms is present in thirty-two countries, with the most significant U.S.

companies being IBM (eleven countries), Palantir (nine countries), and Cisco (six countries). What's surprising is how much surveillance Americans face at home.

Over 176 million Americans use facial recognition technology, with 131 million using it daily, while the number of surveillance cameras in the United States increased 50 percent between 2015 and 2018, with an estimated 85 million such devices in the country by 2021. A large majority of Americans (81%) approve of using facial recognition for passport control, and nearly half of US adults (46%) support the widespread use of facial recognition by police, considering it good for society.

The line between security and surveillance gets blurrier every year.

Russia's Iron Grip on Digital Tracking

Russia ranks at number 9 out of 40 on surveillance lists, with facial recognition technology featuring prominently across all categories discussed. Russian authorities have been particularly aggressive in implementing AI surveillance systems for social control, using facial recognition not just for security but to monitor political dissent and protest activities.

The government has expanded surveillance capabilities rapidly in recent years, integrating facial recognition into public transportation, government buildings, and public spaces. Moscow alone has deployed thousands of cameras equipped with facial recognition technology throughout the city, creating one of the most comprehensive urban surveillance networks in the world.

India's Biometric Database Explosion

India operates one of the world's largest biometric identification systems through its Aadhaar program, which has collected fingerprints, iris scans, and facial data from over a billion citizens. The country has rapidly deployed AI surveillance technology in major cities, with facial recognition systems being used by police forces across multiple states.

Smart city initiatives in places like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have integrated extensive CCTV networks with facial recognition capabilities. The government has also implemented facial recognition for voter verification and attendance tracking in schools and government offices.

What makes India's approach particularly concerning is the lack of comprehensive data protection laws governing how this biometric information is stored and used.

Singapore's "Smart Nation" Surveillance Model

Singapore has transformed itself into a living laboratory for AI surveillance under its Smart Nation initiative, deploying cameras throughout the island city-state that can track individuals across different locations. The government uses facial recognition technology in public housing estates where the majority of citizens live, as well as in shopping centers, transportation hubs, and even parks.

Singapore's approach is unique because it combines surveillance with social services—the same systems that track you can also help you find lost items or provide emergency assistance. The government has been transparent about its surveillance capabilities, arguing that in a small, dense country, comprehensive monitoring is necessary for security and efficiency.

However, this level of acceptance isn't necessarily found in larger nations.

United Kingdom's CCTV Evolution

The UK has long been known for having one of the world's highest concentrations of CCTV cameras, and now many of these systems are being upgraded with AI capabilities. British police forces have been testing and deploying facial recognition technology in cities like London, Cardiff, and Birmingham, often positioning cameras at major events and transportation hubs.

The technology has been used to identify suspects in crowds, monitor protest activities, and track individuals across London's extensive camera network. What's particularly noteworthy is how the technology has expanded from specific police operations to broader deployment across retail districts and entertainment areas.

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the lack of regulation governing how these systems operate and what happens to the data they collect.

South Korea's Digital Infrastructure Integration

South Korea has integrated AI surveillance deeply into its urban infrastructure, using facial recognition and behavioral analysis in subway systems, airports, and government buildings. The country's advanced digital infrastructure makes it easy to deploy sophisticated surveillance technologies that can track individuals across multiple platforms and locations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea demonstrated how quickly surveillance systems could be expanded for public health purposes, using facial recognition combined with location tracking to monitor quarantine compliance. The technology infrastructure built for pandemic response has largely remained in place, creating a comprehensive surveillance network that monitors daily activities.

Korean companies are also major exporters of surveillance technology to other countries in Asia.

France's Expanding Surveillance Network

France has been steadily expanding its use of AI surveillance technology, particularly in response to security concerns following terrorist attacks. The country has deployed facial recognition systems in major transportation hubs, shopping centers, and during large public events like the Olympic Games.

French authorities have used AI surveillance to monitor protests and public gatherings, raising questions about the balance between security and civil liberties. The government has also been testing predictive policing algorithms that use AI to identify potential crime hotspots and suspicious behavior patterns.

Despite being subject to EU privacy regulations, France has found ways to expand surveillance capabilities under national security exceptions.

Germany's Security-Privacy Balance Struggle

Germany presents an interesting case study in AI surveillance because of its strong privacy traditions conflicting with modern security needs. The country has deployed facial recognition systems at major airports and train stations, but has been more cautious about widespread implementation compared to other European nations.

German privacy laws are among the world's strictest, yet law enforcement agencies have been pushing for expanded surveillance capabilities in response to terrorism and crime concerns. The country's approach involves extensive debate and regulation around each new surveillance deployment, creating a more measured rollout compared to other nations.

However, the technology footprint is still significant, particularly in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.

Israel's Military-Grade Civilian Surveillance

Israel has developed some of the world's most sophisticated surveillance technologies, many of which originated from military applications but have been adapted for civilian use. The country uses AI surveillance systems throughout its territory, with particularly intensive monitoring in sensitive areas and border regions.

Israeli companies are major exporters of surveillance technology globally, providing systems to dozens of countries worldwide. The technology infrastructure in Israel includes facial recognition, behavioral analysis, and predictive algorithms that can identify potential security threats in real-time.

What makes Israel's approach unique is how military-grade surveillance technology has been normalized in civilian settings, creating one of the most comprehensive monitoring environments in the world.

Switzerland: Where Privacy Actually Means Something

Switzerland is probably the best place to be for privacy, where Article 13 of the Swiss constitution guarantees citizens' their right to privacy and there are strict federal laws in place to protect your data, with the Federal Data Protection Act and the Data Protection Ordinance protecting personal data and prohibiting any processing of it unless authorized by the subjects or law. According to the FDPIC, CCTV is prohibited if it undermines the privacy and informational self-determination of data subjects such as the processing of video surveillance footage for comprehensive facial recognition in real time, and the use of CCTV for the sole purpose of monitoring the behaviour of employees is prohibited under Swiss employment law.

Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the best countries for VPN users due to its strong commitment to privacy, as the country is not a member of any international surveillance alliances and has stringent data protection laws, also enforcing no-logging policies. Even in 2025, Switzerland continues to strengthen its privacy protections while other countries expand surveillance.

Iceland: The Ultimate Privacy Haven

The country with the strictest data privacy laws related to the internet is Iceland, and it's not just about laws on paper. In 2010, the International Modern Media Institute changed Icelandic privacy laws to protect freedom of speech and information, created with the involvement of WikiLeaks and giving protection to journalists and whistleblowers, making Iceland a haven for investigative journalism.

Known for its high internet freedom and strong data privacy protections, Iceland is another top choice for VPN users, as the country has no mandatory data retention laws, which means ISPs and VPN providers are not required to store user data, and Iceland's legal framework strongly favors user privacy with minimal government surveillance. Although it is not part of the European Union, its legislation was updated to incorporate all the requirements of GDPR, providing its citizens with the same levels of protection, but the regulations are backed with financial and criminal penalties for non-compliance, with the potential for a three-year jail sentence for the most severe violations, gaining it a reputation for being one of the world's best countries for data privacy.

Norway: Nordic Privacy Protection

Norway has implemented robust data privacy regulations, and although it is not part of the European Union, its legislation addresses the requirements of GDPR and is designated by the EU as having equivalence, with regulations focused on protecting individuals' data privacy and freedoms of speech, including provisions for additional safeguards for personal data related to legal and medical information. Norway's approach to privacy is deeply rooted in its democratic traditions and social values that prioritize individual rights over state surveillance.

The country has resisted implementing comprehensive AI surveillance systems, instead focusing on targeted, legally justified monitoring only when necessary for serious crimes. Norwegian companies and government agencies must meet some of the world's highest standards for data protection, with regular audits and significant penalties for violations.

This creates an environment where privacy isn't just protected by law—it's protected by culture. What's fascinating is how these privacy-focused countries prove that security and liberty don't have to be mutually exclusive, while the surveilled nations show us exactly what we might be giving up for the promise of safety.

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