As Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, various government agencies and organisations in Nepal also appear keen to embrace AI technologies. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Nepal Police on Monday announced that it is ready to use AI-based tools for crime control. Separately, the government is working to draft the country’s AI policy. On Tuesday, a team of the Computer Association of Nepal Federation met Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and submitted a concept paper along with their feedback on policy formulation.

Greater use of technology is unavoidable, in every sector. The Nepal Police’s announcement to use AI for detection, prevention and control of crime was much-needed too. But as in any other field, preparation is key. Adoption of any new technology may invite risks. And it is vital to give our police personnel and members of other agencies the right training and equipment to reduce those risks.

The police have had a mixed record. At times, the force impresses by arresting culprits in connection with decades-old notorious crimes, and following years-long investigations. They have produced such results mostly when allowed to work independently. But, unfortunately, they are also prone to political influence. This is why there is always the danger of the AI tools at the disposal of state agencies being used by vested interests.

Constant change and upgrade is the basic feature of technology. But changes in AI are happening at an unbelievable clip. Thus, our agencies need to work hard to catch up. Police officials on Monday said they have already bought a software and trained 15 police officials on the use of AI tools. That is too little too late. Digital crimes are not something that take place in a particular area or community. Given the easy availability of smartphones and high social media penetration in every part of the country, such criminal activities have become ubiquitous. So while keeping abreast of the latest technology, the national police should simultaneously run nationwide awareness campaigns.

Adoption of the latest technology like AI in prevention and tackling crime has been challenging even for developed countries. For instance, a BBC report last year described the pitfalls of using AI in crime control. It cites numerous cases where AI-powered facial recognition software failed to accurately identify black faces including in the US state of Louisiana.

As in the use of digital technology for other purposes, data safety will be a matter of concern. In Nepal, people working in our government agencies and other stakeholders aren’t sensitive and well-educated on ethical use of personal data. The authorities should make sure that collected data do not reach the wrong hands. Chiranjibi Adhikari, CAN’s vice president and AI policy coordinator, rightly alerted Minister Gurung saying that, “The use of AI must not come at the cost of privacy.”

At the end of the day, the AI is only a tool to help the police. The security force should take technology’s help, but if there is room for abuse of such technology, it could do more harm than good. This double-edged sword must be handled with a lot of caution.