A Social Science Review of “Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview”

Introduction

When reviewing the article “Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview,” I found that the article analyzes the connection between criminal investigations and artificial intelligence (AI). This review will examine the study’s use of social science principles, the research questions and hypotheses, the research methodologies used, the data analyzed, the article’s relevance to marginalized groups, and the study’s overall societal contributions.

Objectives and Research Methods

Artificial intelligence has become extremely useful in digital crime investigations in today’s digital environment. AI aids investigations through various learning algorithms that recognize risks by anticipating and stopping illegal behavior. These algorithms monitor activity through footage and facial recognition and analyze cybersecurity breaches and evidence. Given artificial intelligence’s diverse capabilities, this study has multiple objectives:

  1. This study aims to understand how law enforcement agencies use various artificial intelligence methods in digital investigations related to cybercrimes.
  2. This study aims to determine whether evidence obtained using artificial intelligence methods is legally acceptable in criminal court proceedings.
  3. This study wants to ensure that incorporating artificial intelligence techniques in criminal investigations follows established legal regulations to protect individual rights defined by existing laws.
  4. This study wants to comprehend further the potential applications and future artificial intelligence breakthroughs in digital criminal investigations. 

The research was approached with qualitative analyses. Qualitative research was done through case studies, expert interviews, and literature reviews that could offer insights into digital criminal investigations and AI integration. The data collected from the research came from primary and secondary sources that included:

Primary data comprised a variety of primary legal documents, including foundational legal codes, legislative opinions, and a spectrum of technical and scientific resources pertinent to criminal procedural laws, regulations, rules, and associated documentation. The secondary data included a comprehensive analysis of existing literature pertaining to forensic investigation and criminal procedural laws, with a specific focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (Faqir, 2023, p. 80). 

All the different aspects of artificial intelligence, such as “computational intelligence, neural networks, artificial immune systems, machine learning, data mining, pattern recognition, fuzzy logic, and heuristics, have been very helpful in cybercrime detection and prevention” (Faqir, 2023, p. 80). Reviews of AI’s different tools for criminal investigations have been made. Research has led to the analysis of AI pattern recognition, neural networks, bioprinting, and psychological methods.

Data Collection and Findings

The data analyzed in the article could include qualitative data on the effectiveness of AI algorithms in solving criminal cases, public attitudes towards AI-enabled surveillance, and ethical considerations drawn from legal literature. During the study, different challenges emerged. In an operational aspect, the research found that investigations would be challenging due to the large amounts of data that AI provided access to. The large amount of data would overwhelm the investigators, delaying progress and compromising “quality, leading to inaccuracies and incomplete information, ultimately undermining reliable conclusions” (Faqir, 2023, p. 83). In a technical aspect, challenges occur with large amounts of data because it requires many resources, such as computational power and storage capacity, resulting in significant state expenses for data management, preservation, and storage” (Faqir, 2023, p. 83).

On the other hand, using artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns. Questions arise, such as “What are the ethical considerations and implications of utilizing AI in law enforcement practices?” and “How do societal attitudes towards privacy and surveillance evolve in response to AI-driven investigative techniques?” Considering these ethical dilemmas, this topic can impact marginalized groups regarding privacy rights. AI-powered monitoring may make marginalized groups more susceptible to prejudice and scrutiny, escalating already-existing disparities within the criminal justice system.

Overall, this study offers a thorough analysis of digital criminal investigations in the AI era, which benefits society greatly. It provides information on the advantages, difficulties, and ethical dilemmas concerning the use of AI in law enforcement to decision-makers, law enforcement organizations, and the general public. Additionally, the research encourages meaningful discussions on technology, privacy, and law in society.

In conclusion, the article “Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview” offers a perspective on how criminal investigations develop in the digital era. By incorporating ideas from the social sciences, the study increases our understanding of a new kind of law enforcement. It promotes discussion on the ethical and societal ramifications of AI integration.

References

Fariq R. A., (2023). Digital Criminal Investigations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 17(2), 77-94.