Nvidia has partnered with AI developer AnyVision to create facial recognition technology for "smart cities" around the world. The two companies will work to install automatic facial recognition into CCTV (closed-circuit television) surveillance cameras.

AnyVision claims the technology enables cameras that can continuously scan for faces 24/7, automatically identifying and tracking individuals within a large crowd with 99% accuracy. Algorithms working with human monitors can then compare the faces identified against a database of known terrorists or criminals.

The company also says it's committed to protecting the personal data that CCTV cameras collect.

AnyVision's technology is also scalable across all platforms — it can be used on tablets and phones as well as computers. It allows operators to add suspects to a centralized database while on the go, and can receive notifications when they're nearing a person of interest.

This initiative is part of Nvidia's Metropolis program, through which Nvidia partners with companies around the world to develop AI-powered surveillance technology for cities to, one day, implement. Its current partners include Cisco, Genetec, Omni AI, and MotionLoft.

So... is this technology terrifying, and possibly everything Orwell warned us about? Absolutely.

But it could also save thousands of lives. The technology could be useful not only for catching at-large criminals, but also for quickly identifying suspects, and tracking down individuals who have gone missing.

As smart cities and the internet of things expand and grow smarter, it'll be exciting, and somewhat scary, as citizens adapt. This partnership is an important reminder that it's always necessary to have dedicated humans at the helm, defining technology's boundaries, and securing your privacy.