CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Axis Communications today released its Public Perception of Video Surveillance survey, highlighting “a significant shift in public sentiment toward video surveillance,” according to the company announcement.
The survey found that 58% of U.S. respondents are more comfortable with video surveillance in both public and private spaces than they were five years ago, especially in transit hubs, retail centers and educational campuses.
At the same time, that growing comfort comes with clear expectations for how video surveillance is used. More than half of respondents expressed a desire for greater transparency and stronger data privacy protections, underscoring the need for ethical stewardship of the technology.
“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, in the company announcement.
“The public sees a clear role for video surveillance in creating safer spaces but they also expect organizations to use the technology responsibly,” he says. “That means being transparent about its purpose and putting strong privacy protections and safeguards in place.”
What’s in the Axis 2026 Video Surveillance Survey?
When asked how their overall comfort level with video surveillance has changed over the past five years, 58% of survey respondents indicated that they are “significantly” (20%), “somewhat” (23%) or “slightly” (15%) more comfortable, while 31% are “neutral/not sure.”
Meanwhile, 11% said they are less comfortable with video surveillance, suggesting that “overall sentiment has shifted toward greater public comfort and acceptance rather than concern,” according to the Axis Communication announcement. Awareness of video surveillance shows 70% of respondents indicating that they are “extremely” (34%) or “very” (36%) aware of video surveillance systems in public spaces.
The survey also found that 18% of respondents saying they have avoided a location due to video surveillance concerns. While 32% of Gen Z respondents indicated they have chosen not to visit a place due to video surveillance, 28% of Millennials, 12% of Gen X and 6% of Baby Boomers say the same.
These findings “underscore the fact that as awareness of video surveillance continues to grow, comfort levels have also increased,” according to the Axis Communications announcement.
Increased Comfort with Video Surveillance in Public
Respondents to the Axis Communications survey indicate a high level of comfort with video surveillance devices in several specific locations, with public awareness driven by essential routines.
- Transit Hubs: 78% are “very comfortable” (59%) or “somewhat comfortable” (19%) with surveillance
- Retail Stores or Centers: 77% are “very comfortable” (54%) or “somewhat comfortable” (23%) with surveillance
- Educational Campuses: 73% are “very comfortable” (51%) or “somewhat comfortable” (22%) with surveillance
- Workplaces: Respondents are least comfortable with surveillance in the workplace, with 63% saying “very comfortable” (41%) or “somewhat comfortable” (22%)
Respondents identified several factors that would increase their comfort with video surveillance, including clear explanations of its purpose, visible signage and strong data privacy protections.
When asked what factors would increase their comfort level with video surveillance, knowing surveillance devices are used “solely for safety purposes” (64%) was the top response with “clear signage” (59%) and “strong data privacy protections” (51%) close behind.
When evaluating specific artificial intelligence uses in surveillance, respondents showed the highest level of comfort with real-time threat detection (including weapons, suspicious objects, and behavior) and high-stakes law enforcement uses (such as comparing facial scans against databases of known criminals).
Some automated administrative functions, such as streamlining airport security through automated identity verification, also met with broad approval. Concerns around AI-driven surveillance is focused primarily on a lack of trust in both technical precision and data security, with 66% fearing false positives or inaccurate information and another 66% citing potential for misuse or mishandling of information.
“This desire for transparent and ethical behavior further underscores the need for security vendors to earn the trust of the public,” says Nilsson in the Axis Communications announcement. “It is increasingly clear that responsible vendors who provide surveillance solutions with effective security and privacy safeguards in place will have a competitive advantage in today’s market.
“By prioritizing ethical considerations from the earliest stages of development, security providers can lead by example and demonstrate to the public that their concerns are being taken seriously,” he says.
The Axis Communications 2026 Public Perception of Video Surveillance survey was fielded by a third-party provider in July 2026. More than 1,000 adult consumers across the United States were surveyed in order to understand current consumer attitudes toward video surveillance and AI-enabled technologies, including how respondents comfort level has changed over the past five years.
