The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics have sparked discussions regarding the return of major sporting events to a democratic setting following recent competitions held in countries with controversial political environments. There are concerns surrounding security measures and surveillance, reigniting the debate on the balance between freedom and safety in a democratic society.
After the World Cup in Qatar and Russia, as well as the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which received criticism for their authoritarian undertones, the Paris Olympics will signify a return to hosting major sporting events in a liberal democracy. This is especially significant considering the previous Summer Olympics took place in Japan under strict COVID restrictions. The question remains whether this will represent a return to the openness associated with “free countries,” or if the legacy of heightened security measures in Doha, Beijing, and Sochi will make its presence felt.
Several controversies in France have further fueled skepticism. The introduction of travel permits with a QR code to navigate certain areas near the Olympic venues in the heart of the capital has been labeled as “infringing on freedoms” and “typical of a state of emergency” by some lawmakers. The National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) has been involved in the matter. However, arguments against the measure lost momentum following an attack that claimed the life of a tourist at the base of the Eiffel Tower a few days later.
According to the police prefecture, the purpose of the travel permits is to manage access to restricted areas for motor vehicles. They clarified that only minimal information will be collected, and the sole objective is to determine if an individual has a legitimate reason to enter a specific zone.
The increased security measures surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympics illustrate the ongoing tension between ensuring public safety and upholding civil liberties. As the world eagerly anticipates the games, the discussions around security protocols and their implications for individual freedoms continue to underscore the complex intersection of sports, politics, and democracy.
