Academic

Artificial Intelligence Crime: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Foreseeable Threats and Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) research and regulation seek to balance the benefits of innovation against any potential harms and disruption. However, one unintended consequence of the recent surge in AI research is the potential re-orientation of AI technologies to facilitate criminal acts, term in this article AI-Crime (AIC). AIC is theoretically feasible thanks to published experiments in automating fraud targeted at social media users, as well as demonstrations of AI-driven manipulation of simulated markets. However, because AIC is still a relatively young and inherently interdisciplinary area-spanning socio-legal studies to formal science-there is little certainty of what an AIC future might look like. This article offers the first systematic, interdisciplinary literature analysis of the foreseeable threats of AIC, providing ethicists, policy-makers, and law enforcement organisations with a synthesis of the current problems, and a possible solution space.

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Thomas C. King
· · 1 min read · 18 views

Artificial intelligence (AI) research and regulation seek to balance the benefits of innovation against any potential harms and disruption. However, one unintended consequence of the recent surge in AI research is the potential re-orientation of AI technologies to facilitate criminal acts, term in this article AI-Crime (AIC). AIC is theoretically feasible thanks to published experiments in automating fraud targeted at social media users, as well as demonstrations of AI-driven manipulation of simulated markets. However, because AIC is still a relatively young and inherently interdisciplinary area-spanning socio-legal studies to formal science-there is little certainty of what an AIC future might look like. This article offers the first systematic, interdisciplinary literature analysis of the foreseeable threats of AIC, providing ethicists, policy-makers, and law enforcement organisations with a synthesis of the current problems, and a possible solution space.

Executive Summary

This article provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of the foreseeable threats and potential solutions to Artificial Intelligence Crime (AIC). The authors explore the theoretical feasibility of AIC, citing experiments in automating fraud and AI-driven manipulation of simulated markets. The article synthesizes the current problems and possible solution spaces, aiming to inform ethicists, policymakers, and law enforcement organizations. However, the authors acknowledge the inherent uncertainties and interdisciplinary complexities of AIC, highlighting the need for further research and collaboration. By examining the intersection of socio-legal studies and formal science, the authors provide a valuable framework for understanding the potential risks and consequences of AIC.

Key Points

  • AIC is theoretically feasible due to published experiments in automating fraud and AI-driven manipulation of simulated markets.
  • The article provides a systematic, interdisciplinary literature analysis of foreseeable AIC threats.
  • The authors propose a solution space for addressing AIC, but acknowledge the need for further research and collaboration.

Merits

Interdisciplinary Approach

The article's interdisciplinary analysis brings together socio-legal studies and formal science to provide a comprehensive understanding of AIC.

Practical Implications

The authors' synthesis of current problems and possible solutions offers actionable insights for ethicists, policymakers, and law enforcement organizations.

Timely Contribution

The article addresses a pressing concern, highlighting the need for research and collaboration to mitigate the risks of AIC.

Demerits

Limited Scope

The article's focus on theoretical feasibility and potential solutions may not fully capture the complexities of AIC in real-world applications.

Methodological Limitations

The authors' reliance on published experiments and simulations may not accurately reflect the actual risks and consequences of AIC.

Uncertainty and Complexity

The article acknowledges the inherent uncertainties and interdisciplinary complexities of AIC, which may limit the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Expert Commentary

The article's interdisciplinary approach and synthesis of current problems and possible solutions make it a valuable contribution to the field of AI research. However, the authors' reliance on published experiments and simulations may not accurately reflect the actual risks and consequences of AIC. Furthermore, the article's focus on theoretical feasibility and potential solutions may not fully capture the complexities of AIC in real-world applications. Nevertheless, the authors' proposal for a solution space and emphasis on ethics and governance are crucial steps towards mitigating the risks of AIC and ensuring responsible AI development.

Recommendations

  • Future research should prioritize the development of real-world AIC scenarios to better understand the actual risks and consequences of AI-driven crimes.
  • Regulatory frameworks should be adapted to incorporate principles of ethics and governance, ensuring responsible AI development and mitigating the risks of AIC.

Sources