For decades, artificial intelligence (AI) researchers have sought to enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks once thought to be reserved for humans. In recent years, technology has moved from science fiction into real life and make an informed decisions.
With the growing population and when it comes to size and diversity, it makes the task of governance much more challenging. Many bureaucratic challenges have conventionally tethered governance across the globe. The recent hinge towards the use of the latest technologies and its utilization in various other sectors is reviving the system.
AI can be used in fostering efficient governance, rather than aspiring to be just a tool to replace human decision-making entirely.
The technological framework for its deployment is though underway, we see the enthusiasm, technological capability and implementation are on the growing edge.
Governments have started to leverage AI to help deliver government services to the citizenry. In our previous case studies, we have found examples of the government pursuing projects with the private sector to enhance agriculture, finance, education, and health.
Law Enforcement
Globally, key AI technologies are being explored, and in some cases used by law enforcement, including facial recognition, speech recognition, drones, robocops, autonomous patrol cars, and predictive analytics.
Our research found that it is still in the nascent stages of developing the technological proficiency to fully implement AI solutions for law enforcement purposes and many projects are still at the stage of conceptualization. Yet AI is seen with great potential to change the dynamics of Governance.
Predictive Analytics
There have been some strides towards the use of big data analytics and algorithms for the purpose of processing vast tracts of data to generate predictive policing models. Improved and sophisticated data collection techniques are a mandatory prerequisite for running predictive policing programmes.
Speech and Facial Recognition
There have been serious efforts made in this sector using AI. AI-enabled facial recognition is vital in governance as it can help keep records of various social and economic factors. AI-powered facial detection can be seen as a strategic power in the governance where it can help crime detection and prevention, regulating laws, public awareness and so on.
For Example, VisageCloud is end-to-end face recognition and classification solution. It can work on photos, selfies, ID card, and video streams. It is fully API enabled, so it can be easily integrated with other apps.
Sofia, a very common and displayed example of how it is being used in certain other sectors of the economy. On similar lines, such bots and virtual assistants can be used in governance to make the work more efficient and simplified.
Education
In education, our research found that AI is predominately being used in decision making, student services, student progress monitoring, and personalized learning. Despite the diversity of languages, it does not appear that many solutions developed in this space are focused on language. Machine learning appears to be the most commonly applied technique in solutions.
Defense
In defense, our research found that AI is predominantly used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, robot soldiers, cyber defense, risk terrain analysis, and intelligent weapons systems. Out of the sectors we looked at, defense is the one sector where clear use of autonomous systems is being contemplated. Though many of these projects are in nascent and pilot stages, AI is seen as a great opportunity in the defense sector.
Cyber Defense
The government is leveraging AI to strengthen and build cybersecurity capabilities. With the growing involvement in crimes and terrorism, it has become an important subject for the governments to focus upon. The increasing rate of crime in every part of the world has made governments look for options and technologies that can help strengthen democracy and bring more obedience to the system.
While there is great potential for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence in the governance space, socio-economic, technological and regulatory realities pose unique challenges which need to be recognized and addressed when framing policy and implementing the technology.
- there is a need to grow capacity within the government for the effective implementation of AI-driven solutions. This would also require greater receptiveness, understanding, and competence with using information technologies, which the individuals responsible for implementing the solution including institutions, policemen or government officials may not possess.
- infrastructural pre-requisites for the successful and cohesive implementation of AI-driven solutions have not yet been developed or in some cases have not been implemented yet.
- Obtaining funding for developing AI-driven solutions is a challenge that any emerging economy faces in the present day.
