https://docs.google.com/document/d/19e_4GBu-KPy66MbN-AjPVzPvW-0g5TBdqV5f3VEDGoc/edit?usp=sharing
Article Review: Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview
Principles of Social Science
The article dives right into some of the core principles of social science: the scientific method, analytical methods of data collection, and empirical observation of evidence. The scientific method details: a question posed, research of a topic, an initial hypothesis (s), testing, analyzing, and reporting results. The article states, “to achieve these objectives, this research embarked on an exploration of the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with digital criminal investigations” (Faqir, 2023). This research employs mathematical studies and systematic data with the goal of finding potential threats and upholding an ethical position. Digital evidence is believed to be a more effective facet in criminal investigations based upon a range of observed evidence. These methods and principles lead researchers toward more concrete results that are provided from their scientific questions.
Identify questions and hypotheses
“How does the inclusion of artificial intelligence techniques impact law enforcement and their regard for cybercrime and activity?” (Faqir, 2023). Some more questions addressed: how can AI within law enforcement protect the privacy and rights of a community, how involved should AI be in an investigation? This article brings to question the ethical standing of AI involvement, as it may jeopardize privacy and basic rights/liberties. The hypothesis is as follows: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can further assist law enforcement in monitoring and minimizing (investigating) criminal activity within a digital context.
Research Methods & Data and Analysis
The method of viewing and monitoring AI programs is used to compile and enact “computer-generated data analysis” (Faqir, 2023). Researchers note that artificial intelligence has many programs and features that allow for faster and more accurate information processing and gathering. For example, their study of its tools: neutral networks, pattern recognition, data mining, etc. Criminal investigations take time and resources while AI usage can minimize this and even produce faster results. Law enforcement is vulnerable to human error, however, the use of AI is thought to reduce its instances and promote justice from cyber crimes. The article provides benefits for many different aspects and disciplines. These could be medical technology and resources, psychological advancements, physiological progression, etc. It comes down to the conclusive need for more rapid and efficient response. The studies and analysis aims to eva;iate the effectiveness of AI integration and monitor its influence on data and society.
Class Concepts
In relation to some of our classroom topics, I’ve focused on threats, limitations, archival research, and multi-method research. The article describes the importance of AI involvement and how it can assist law enforcement in providing justice and data against cybercrime. There are constant threats against networks and softwares, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Research and data analysis of past and current cyber crimes and breaches assists in crime prevention and understanding the basis behind attempted and enacted crimes. In terms of limitations, AI programs and tools must still follow guidelines that do not breach laws or violate privacy.
The article provides insight into digital data storage and collection. In class we review archival research and its use. Transferring information into the digital presence assists in quicker access than it may take man-conducted investigations. For multi-method research, there were many different tested aspects. The tools of AI were tested in its ability for data collection, ability to detect and prevent cybercrime/breach, data analysis, and much more. Rather than looking at these elements as one, each is studied separately to see how AI interacts and functions in these subjects.
Challenges and Concerns
The digital age that we embark on, is increasing in its amount of usage. With this, the volume of data being transmitted continues to grow. The largest concern, to be argued, is the regard for privacy. There is an element of public opinion and trust that must be factored in, especially with the law enforcement. I feel it is safe to say that there is a large population that does not see the future of technology and its use as a benefit to society but rather a danger. Putting the law and justice in the hands of AI leaves the public in fear for their legal reliance. Privacy and the respect of such, is a main concern for the public. Can the use of artificial intelligence protect these challenges?
Another challenge that comes up is the creation of these tools. As algorithms are produced by the people who build them, there comes the concern of bias, prejudice, discrimination, and so much more. How can we build software and devices like AI, to refrain from having forms of bias? Is it even possible? Different social, ethnic, and age/gender groups may be discriminated against depending on the value and programming of an AI tool. More specifically, there is a question surrounding the accuracy of interpretation regarding media and image analysis. It is not foolproof, that AI can objectively analyze such things effectively or provide for every marginalized group.
Contributions
This article provides a large contribution to the different perspectives and disciplines that can be highlighted with the use of artificial intelligence. More so, it contributes to the big question. Evolution and advancement all stem from a question, a hypothesis. How can our current systems and information be improved and evolved to create more efficient and accurate work? For law enforcement, AI would contribute to the pace of cybercrime resolution and justice, providing more rapid and technically accurate information. Furthermore, this article recommends productive methods of advancement with the regard of digital forensic studies and how the use of artificial intelligence can promote reduced crime rate, faster response, and more detailed data collection.
References
Faqir, R. (2023). Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview. International Journal of Cyber Criminology. https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/189/71