Oracle co-founder and billionaire Larry Ellison envisions a future where artificial intelligence enables widespread surveillance of citizens, asserting it will lead to improved behavior. During a recent Oracle financial analysts meeting, Ellison shared his perspective on the potential applications of AI in monitoring systems.
Ellison, whose net worth is estimated at $157 billion by Bloomberg, making him the world’s sixth-richest individual, described a scenario where AI would continuously analyze data from various surveillance sources. These would include security cameras, police body cams, doorbell cameras, and vehicle dashboard cameras.
“We’re going to have supervision,” Ellison stated, explaining that AI would oversee law enforcement activities and report any issues to appropriate authorities. He added, “Citizens will be on their best behavior because we are constantly recording and reporting everything that’s going on.”
The tech mogul also predicted that AI-powered drones would replace traditional police vehicles in high-speed pursuits. “You just have a drone follow the car,” he said, describing it as a straightforward solution in an era of autonomous drone technology.
Ellison’s comments come as Oracle, like many tech companies, is aggressively pursuing opportunities in the rapidly expanding AI sector. The software giant is currently involved in multiple AI initiatives, including a collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The Oracle co-founder’s vision of AI-driven surveillance aligns with the growing presence of monitoring devices in everyday life. Many suburban neighborhoods already feature a network of Ring doorbell cameras, creating what some describe as a “panopticon” effect. Ellison suggests that current surveillance methods are merely the beginning of a more comprehensive monitoring system enabled by AI advancements.
While Ellison presents these developments as beneficial for public safety and behavior, his remarks raise questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the extent of technological oversight in daily life. The concept of constant AI surveillance and analysis of citizen behavior could potentially lead to concerns about personal freedom and the right to privacy.
Ellison’s children have made names for themselves in the entertainment industry, diverging from their father’s tech-focused career path. His daughter, Megan Ellison, established the production company Annapurna Pictures in 2011. Meanwhile, his son David Ellison is poised to become CEO of Paramount following its merger with Skydance Media.
As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, the potential applications and implications of widespread surveillance systems are likely to become increasingly relevant topics of discussion. Ellison’s comments offer insight into how some tech industry leaders envision the future intersection of AI, surveillance, and public behavior.
The Oracle co-founder’s statements also highlight the growing interest and investment in AI technologies across various sectors. As companies like Oracle pursue AI projects, the potential for these systems to reshape aspects of daily life, including law enforcement and public monitoring, becomes more apparent.
Ellison’s vision of AI-powered surveillance represents just one perspective on the future of this technology. As AI continues to evolve, it will likely spark ongoing debates about its proper role in society, balancing potential benefits with concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The coming years may see increased public discourse on how to implement AI technologies in ways that enhance public safety while preserving individual rights and freedoms.