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April 21, 2025
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in police work is a topic of increasing importance worldwide. While intelligent video surveillance systems are being tested in Germany, for example, to find missing persons or identify dangerous situations, US authorities are going a step further. Research by media outlets such as 404 Media and Wired shows that in the US, particularly in the border region with Mexico, so-called AI personas are being used to gather information about suspected criminals.
These AI personas act as virtual undercover agents on social media. Disguised as protesters or potential victims, they communicate with suspects to uncover criminal activity. The New York-based company Massive Blue offers police departments software that creates and controls such AI bots. The cost of this technology is substantial: The police department in Pinal County, Arizona, for example, has signed a $360,000 contract with Massive Blue.
For this amount, the department receives a virtual task force of up to 50 AI personas. One example is "Jason," a 14-year-old bot designed as the shy son of Ecuadorian immigrants whose parents have forbidden him from using social media. "Jason" is intended to lure child traffickers. Another example is "Heidi," a 36-year-old activist from Texas, portrayed as divorced, lonely, and searching for meaning in life. "Heidi" is intended to engage with radicalized protesters.
The use of this technology, however, raises a number of questions. The functionality of Massive Blue's software is largely secret. It is unclear what criteria are used to classify individuals as suspicious and whether there is a risk of mass surveillance and the criminalization of innocent citizens. Moreover, the technology is still relatively untested. The police department in Yuma County, Arizona, did not renew its contract with Massive Blue after two years because the technology did not meet expectations and there were concerns about surveillance practices.
The use of AI in police work is still in its early stages. While the technology has the potential to support law enforcement and increase security, the associated risks and challenges must also be considered. Transparency, data protection, and the avoidance of discrimination are key aspects that must be considered in the further development and implementation of AI systems in police work. Public discussion of the ethical implications of this technology is essential to ensure responsible and effective use of AI in the service of society.
Bibliographie: - https://t3n.de/news/ki-bots-undercover-polizei-1683835/ - https://x.com/t3n/status/1913642058046230683 - https://www.facebook.com/t3nMagazin/posts/polizeibeh%C3%B6rden-in-den-usa-jagen-politische-aktivisten-sowie-drogen-und-menschen/1103706468461171/ - https://www.threads.net/@sander.ingo/post/DIo26gAsAab - https://t3n.de/ - https://www.facebook.com/t3nMagazin/posts/der-stanford-ki-report-zeigt-wie-wichtig-k%C3%BCnstliche-intelligenz-mittlerweile-in-/1103602721804879/ - https://newstral.com/de/article/de/1265779466/ki-bots-im-undercover-einsatz-f%C3%BCr-die-polizei - https://t3n.de/tag/social-media/