A new US survey commissioned by Axis Communications points to a notable shift in public attitudes towards video surveillance. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents say they are now more comfortable with surveillance in public and private spaces than they were five years ago. Yet the findings also suggest that greater acceptance should not be mistaken for unconditional approval: transparency, data protection and confidence in AI accuracy are becoming increasingly important factors in public trust.

Video surveillance appears to be becoming a more accepted part of the security infrastructure in the United States. According to the 2026 Public Perception of Video Surveillance survey commissioned by Axis Communications, 58% of respondents report some degree of increased comfort with the technology over the past five years. Of these, 20% say they are significantly more comfortable, 23% somewhat more comfortable and 15% slightly more comfortable.

A further 31% describe themselves as neutral or unsure, while only 11% say their level of comfort has declined. Awareness is also high: 70% of respondents consider themselves extremely or very aware of video surveillance systems in public spaces.

The survey was conducted by a third-party provider in July 2026 among more than 1,000 adults in the United States. Its geographical scope is therefore important: the findings provide an indication of changing attitudes in the US market rather than a direct measure of European public opinion.

Younger generations remain more cautious

Growing familiarity with surveillance does not necessarily translate into universal acceptance. Overall, 18% of respondents say they have previously avoided a location because of concerns about video surveillance.

The differences between generations are striking. Among Generation Z, 32% report having chosen not to visit a location because of surveillance, compared with 28% of Millennials. The figure falls to 12% among Generation X and just 6% among Baby Boomers.

The findings therefore complicate the assumption that younger, digitally accustomed generations are automatically more relaxed about surveillance technologies. They may be highly familiar with camera systems while remaining comparatively sensitive to the implications of their use.

Purpose and transparency shape acceptance

The survey also provides an indication of what organisations can do to increase public confidence. Sixty-four per cent of respondents say they would feel more comfortable if they knew surveillance systems were being used solely for safety purposes. Clear signage is cited by 59%, while 51% identify strong data privacy protections as an important factor.

“This research shows that while the public is becoming more comfortable with video surveillance, that acceptance cannot be taken for granted,” says Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President, Americas, at Axis Communications.

For security operators, this distinction is increasingly significant. The debate is no longer confined to whether cameras should be deployed. It increasingly concerns the purpose for which they are installed, the information they generate, how long that information is retained and who is permitted to use it.

AI surveillance exposes a second layer of concern

The results become particularly relevant as conventional video surveillance develops into AI-assisted video analytics. Respondents show comparatively high levels of comfort with applications designed to identify immediate security threats, including weapons, suspicious objects and behaviour.

Certain high-stakes law-enforcement applications and automated identity verification for processes such as airport security also receive substantial support.

At the same time, the survey identifies two pronounced areas of concern. Sixty-six per cent of respondents worry about false positives or inaccurate information generated by AI-enabled surveillance. An identical 66% express concern about the potential misuse or mishandling of information.

These figures highlight a fundamental challenge for the video security industry. As cameras evolve from recording devices into sensors capable of classifying objects, identifying patterns and generating automated alerts, questions of algorithmic reliability become inseparable from traditional security considerations.

A false alarm generated by analytics is not merely a technical inconvenience. Depending on the application, it can trigger an operational response or contribute to decisions affecting individuals. Accuracy, system configuration and human verification therefore become important elements of the overall security architecture.

Trust becomes part of system performance

For the European security industry, the US findings require careful interpretation. Regulatory frameworks and public attitudes towards privacy differ considerably between the United States and Europe. Nevertheless, the survey illustrates a broader development relevant on both sides of the Atlantic: increasing familiarity with sophisticated surveillance technology is accompanied by higher expectations concerning its governance.

This has consequences for manufacturers, integrators and operators alike. Technical performance remains fundamental, but it is no longer sufficient on its own. Privacy safeguards, cybersecurity, transparent communication and clearly defined purposes increasingly influence whether surveillance technologies are considered legitimate.

The most significant finding of the Axis survey may therefore not be that public acceptance has increased. It is that this acceptance appears increasingly conditional. As video surveillance becomes more intelligent and more deeply integrated into security operations, the industry’s ability to demonstrate where, why and under what safeguards the technology is being used could become as important as the capabilities of the cameras themselves.