From the buying & selling of drugs & firearms, to stolen credentials & pirated merchandise, the dark web is a hub for criminal activity. And while technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) have contributed to the sophistication of these crimes, it’s also become a powerful weapon in law enforcement’s arsenal for infiltrating nefarious online pursuits. From analyzing social media activity to recognizing faces, voices & patterns, AI can identify trends of organized crime groups & other illegal acts. Detecting criminal behavior through technology is complex. Often, law enforcement is restricted by budget constraints & a lack of training in AI software. However, law enforcement agencies can partner with companies that have the technology needed for crime prevention. By harnessing AI capabilities, agencies have the potential to analyze vast amounts of data with greater speed & accuracy. Using crime data & digital tools from the private sector, AI can uncover crime trends & stop them from occurring. For example, AI can detect language associated with the criminal activity of pedophiles & sex traffickers, & can identify victims via facial recognition. When it comes to boots on the ground, AI’s far reach can act as an army of virtual law enforcement agents to reduce crime & increase public safety, but it’s groundbreaking potential lies in the ongoing training of law enforcement personnel in all things AI.
