The Algorithmic Panopticon: Balancing Public Safety And Human Rights In The Age Of AI Policing

Prof. (Dr.) Banshi Dhar Singh, Head of Department and Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

This research paper examines the critical challenge of balancing public safety and human rights in the era of AI-driven policing. As law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence tools, from predictive policing algorithms to facial recognition systems, we explore the complex ethical and legal implications of this technological shift. The research presents a comprehensive taxonomy of AI tools in law enforcement, analyzing their applications, limitations, and potential for both enhancing security and exacerbating societal biases. Through case studies from various countries, we reveal the successes and pitfalls of AI implementation in policing. The research paper uncovers significant human rights concerns, including the amplification of algorithmic biases, erosion of privacy, and challenges to due process. To address these issues, we propose a holistic ethical framework grounded in human rights principles, advocating for proactive governance, robust data protection laws, and community empowerment. The findings underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in AI regulation and deployment within law enforcement. By synthesizing legal scholarships, ethical theories, and real-world examples, this research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing debate surrounding AI in policing. Ultimately, the research paper charts a course towards a future where AI enhances public safety without compromising fundamental freedoms, offering a blueprint for responsible and ethical integration of technology in law enforcement.

Keywords: AI Policing, Algorithmic Bias, Human Rights, Predictive Policing, Facial Recognition