AI and Policing: 2023 Concerns
Key Takeaway
The growing concern over the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in policing, particularly regarding the potential impact on civil liberties, privacy, and the perpetuation of historical inequalities. There is an increasing call for the ban of predictive policing technologies and greater scrutiny of law enforcement's use of AI tools.
Summary
- The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in law enforcement is a major topic of discussion, with concerns about its impact on civil liberties and the perpetuation of historical inequalities.
- Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using data from various sources, including autonomous vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors, raising privacy concerns.
- Predictive policing algorithms have been criticized for perpetuating inequalities and having low success rates in preventing crimes.
- Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy and Technology released a significant investigation into the automation in the criminal justice system, highlighting the risks of decision-making by machines.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) advocates for a ban on predictive policing, noting the flaws and biases in such technologies.
- There is a consolidation of predictive policing technologies, such as ShotSpotter and PredPol, which exacerbates the issues with these systems.
- In 2024, EFF plans to continue monitoring the rise of machine learning in policing and urges cities and states to ban the use of harmful AI technologies.
- EFF is part of various initiatives and campaigns, such as opposing arbitrary surveillance of migrants and challenging geofence warrants.
- There are concerns about the privacy implications of new technologies like self-driving cars and the use of drones for surveillance without warrants.
- Legal actions and settlements, like the one involving Amazon’s Ring, highlight the need for companies to take user privacy seriously.
- The content reflects EFF's ongoing efforts to fight for digital rights and privacy in the face of advancing technology.