Artificial Intelligence and Security Sector Governance and Reform

The past few years, particularly post Covid-19, have seen a sharp increase in the use of digital technologies in the area of security and justice. The expanding use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital technologies in governments bears significant importance for SSG/R. AI systems have helped improve public service delivery effectiveness and allow the generation of data-based forecasts and the simulation of complex scenarios to support decision-making.

In reality, the international community is already engaged in supporting SSG/R programming that addresses security and justice shortcomings through technology-driven solutions, including in the areas of access to justice, cyber-security, defence reform strategy design, legal frameworks’ development, e-governance and open data initiatives.

At the same time, these technologies come with a risk to reduce public trust in the security and justice sector due to a lack of public awareness, lack of trust, lack of access, violation of privacy or lack of fairness in using AI for public purposes. Yet, with SSG/R can help improve awareness, develop capabilities, ensure inclusiveness and respect for human rights, as well as support the development of checks and balances systems necessary for this growing field.

In this Advisory Note, we explored the role artificial intelligence plays for international partners by exploring the opportunities it creates for reform and its challenges. It provides a structure for clarifying the links between artificial intelligence and SSG/R and presents some of the emerging learning and good practice from field-level donor programming. 

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