Axis Communications has released a new global study examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the video surveillance industry, with growing attention on ethics, data protection and the shift towards hybrid system architectures.
The State of AI in Video Surveillance (2025) combines insights from 11 in-depth interviews with AI experts and findings from two large-scale surveys conducted by Axis in 2024. Together, the research captures perspectives from more than 5,500 respondents across 68 countries, including technology partners, systems integrators, channel partners and end customers.
The report finds that AI adoption has increased significantly in recent years, driven by customer demand, expanding application knowledge, and new use cases. While safety and security remain central, the technology is also being used to extract operational intelligence, improve efficiency and support decision-making in a range of non-security contexts.
A recurring theme throughout the research is the balance between technical innovation and responsible deployment. Contributors point to growing awareness of the need for ethical AI frameworks, particularly around the use of facial recognition and personal data. Several of those interviewed emphasised the importance of building fairness, transparency and privacy considerations into systems from the outset, rather than applying them as an afterthought. Human oversight remains a key component of trust in automated decision-making, especially in regulated environments.
The shift toward hybrid AI architectures is also notable. The combined use of edge computing on cameras with the scalability of cloud infrastructure is seen as a practical way to manage both real-time responsiveness and long-term data storage needs. This approach is gaining traction as video analytics become more sophisticated and demand for flexible system design increases.
Another area of focus is the integration of multiple data sources. By combining video footage with audio, environmental, and contextual data, systems can provide richer, more actionable insights and improve situational awareness in critical settings.
Facial recognition is expected to see wider deployment, though regional differences in legislation and public perception continue to shape how and where it is used. Transparency about how these systems operate and who controls the data is considered essential for public trust.
Axis states that the report is intended to guide not only manufacturers and integrators, but also developers, consultants, and public sector bodies working with AI-enabled surveillance systems. It underscores the need for industry-wide collaboration to improve standards and ensure that the rapid development of AI in video surveillance is matched by thoughtful implementation.
The full report is available to download at: www.axis.com/ai-report-video-surveillance-security