Expansion of AI Surveillance

Article by Saja Hassan, TPT Staff Writer

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been an integral part of our world for decades, with its roots tracing back to the early 1950s when the first computer emerged, capable of storing information and executing human commands. Despite its long history, AI's transformative impact on various fields raises concerns and uncertainties among many. Notably, experts assert that the AI revolution in surveillance is already underway.

Businesses are increasingly leveraging AI capabilities to enhance analytic processing, while city officials deploy AI to monitor and manage diverse aspects such as traffic congestion and smart energy metering. However, a growing trend sees numerous states employing advanced AI surveillance tools to monitor, track, and surveil citizens for a range of policy objectives. These objectives can range from lawful pursuits to potential violations of human rights, creating a complex and ethically ambiguous landscape.

Privacy emerges as a fundamental concern within US society, intensified by the omnipresence of cameras in various forms, from stores and satellites to smartphones. The deployment of AI for security purposes has witnessed a significant uptick in recent years. Companies are actively incorporating AI into policing methods, deploying solutions like biometrics, facial recognition, smart cameras, and video surveillance systems. Studies are showing that crime rates may go down up to 30% with the use of these systems.

The universal presence of cameras and the adoption of AI for security raise critical questions about the balance between public safety and individual privacy. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for robust ethical frameworks and legal safeguards becomes imperative. Striking a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of AI for security and safeguarding individual rights is a challenge that requires careful consideration and proactive measures. The intersection of AI and surveillance demands a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to ensure that technological advancements align with societal values and ethical principles.

In addition to the policing methods, the widespread use of AI carries significant geopolitical implications, with China is indisputably one of the leaders in developing these technologies both for domestic and international use. However,noteworthy players include the United States, Israel, Russia, multiple European countries, Japan, and South Korea. The impact of these technologies extends far beyond borders, manifesting in diverse applications.

While some instances involve the surveillance of political dissidents and the suppression of Uyghur and Turkic Muslim populations in China, more commonplace uses, like one-to-one verification at banks and gyms, also raise valid concerns. The collection of high-quality data in these seemingly routine applications contributes to the enhancement of facial recognition technology, with potential authoritarian uses over time.

Efforts by the United States and partner democracies, such as sanctions, export controls, and investment bans, aim to curb the unbridled spread of surveillance technology. However, the opaque nature of supply chains complicates the assessment of the effectiveness of these measures. Notably, a significant gap exists at the international standards level, where Chinese companies dominate proposals for facial recognition standards at institutions like the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

In the ever-evolving landscape of AI and surveillance, international collaboration and the establishment of clear standards become paramount. As the world grapples with the ethical dimensions of these technologies, fostering transparency and ethical guidelines at the global level is crucial to ensuring a future where innovation aligns with democratic values and respects individual rights.

Sources

https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/history-artificial-intelligence/

https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/09/17/global-expansion-of-ai-surveillance-pub-79847

https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/government-public/perspectives/urban-future-with-a-purpose/surveillance-and-predictive-policing-through-ai.html

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/geopolitical-implications-of-ai-and-digital-surveillance-adoption/

https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA3034-1.html