Top five e-surveillance trends shaping the tech landscape by 2025

The world of surveillance is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing security needs. Traditional methods are giving way to sophisticated electronic surveillance (e-surveillance) systems that leverage cutting-edge technologies. 

Here are the top five trends poised to redefine e-surveillance by 2025, offering a glimpse into the future of security and monitoring. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals navigating the evolving security landscape.

Integration of AI and ML
AI and ML are revolutionizing e-surveillance by enabling automated threat detection, facial recognition, behavior analysis, and predictive policing. By 2025, we can expect even more sophisticated applications, such as real-time anomaly detection, predictive maintenance of surveillance equipment, and advanced object tracking across multiple camera feeds. This evolution leads to more proactive and efficient security measures. 

In India, the electronic security market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 7.36 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 23.57%. This growth is fueled by innovations in AI-driven surveillance systems capable of processing extensive datasets in real-time, enhancing threat detection capabilities. 

Cloud-based surveillance
Cloud platforms offer scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility for e-surveillance systems. By 2025, we will likely see widespread adoption of cloud-based video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), enabling remote monitoring, data storage, and analysis. This democratization of access to advanced surveillance capabilities will benefit smaller organizations and individuals alike. 

The shift towards cloud solutions is particularly relevant in India, where urbanization and rising crime rates are driving demand for efficient surveillance systems. The digitization of video surveillance systems is expected to catalyze market growth further.

Use of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs)
As surveillance technologies become more powerful, concerns about privacy are also growing. PETs, such as differential privacy, homomorphic encryption, and federated learning, are becoming increasingly important for balancing security needs with individual rights. 

By 2025, we can expect wider adoption of PETs in e-surveillance systems to ensure responsible data collection and usage. This trend is critical in maintaining public trust as surveillance capabilities expand. The Indian market's focus on smart city initiatives underscores the need for ethical considerations in deploying such technologies.

VSaaS revolutionizing video surveillance
Cloud-based surveillance, particularly Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS), is poised for significant growth. VSaaS leverages cloud computing for video storage, management, and analysis, offering several advantages. These include reduced upfront costs, enhanced scalability, and remote accessibility. 

By 2025, we can expect widespread adoption of VSaaS, empowering smaller organizations and individuals with access to advanced surveillance capabilities. This shift will democratize security solutions and drive innovation in the e-surveillance sector.

IoT integration
The proliferation of IoT devices is creating a vast network of interconnected sensors and data sources. By 2025, e-surveillance systems will increasingly integrate with IoT devices to collect data from various sources like smart cameras, sensors, and wearables. This integration will provide a more comprehensive view of the environment and enable more granular monitoring with faster response times to security incidents. 

The Indian government’s push towards smart cities reflects this trend as cities deploy interconnected devices to enhance public safety.

Looking ahead
These trends are set to significantly transform the e-surveillance landscape by 2025. These advancements promise more effective security measures, increased efficiency, and greater accessibility. However, it is crucial to address ethical considerations and ensure responsible implementation to protect individual privacy and civil liberties. 

As these technologies continue to evolve, careful planning, robust regulations, and ongoing dialogue are essential to harness their full potential while mitigating potential risks. The future of e-surveillance lies in striking a balance between security needs and individual rights—building a safer and more secure world for everyone.

-- Joseph Sudheer Thumma, Global CEO & MD, Magellanic Cloud.