The Nepal Government and the Challenges of Cybercrime: A Critical Perspective on the Use of AI in Policing
In recent years, the rapid advancement of digital technology has brought about a significant rise in cybercrime globally, and Nepal is no exception. While the Nepal Police Crime Investigation Department (CID) has announced plans to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools for crime control, there are growing concerns about the effectiveness of such measures, particularly in addressing cybercrime. Despite the government’s ambitious claims, the current state of cybercrime investigation in Nepal raises questions about whether the introduction of AI is a genuine step forward or merely a superficial attempt to modernize policing.
The State of Cybercrime in Nepal
Cybercrime in Nepal has been on the rise, with incidents ranging from online fraud and identity theft to hacking and digital harassment. However, the Nepal Police’s ability to tackle these crimes has been widely criticized. The lack of specialized training, inadequate infrastructure, and limited expertise in digital forensics have rendered the police ill-equipped to handle the complexities of cybercrime. Victims often face delays in investigations, and many cases remain unresolved due to the police’s inability to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
The Promise of AI: A Step Forward or a Public Relations Stunt?
The recent announcement by the CID to implement AI-based business intelligence tools has been met with both optimism and skepticism. While AI has the potential to revolutionize crime prediction and investigation, its successful implementation requires a robust foundation of technical expertise, infrastructure, and data management systems. Unfortunately, the Nepal Police’s track record in handling cybercrime does not inspire confidence in their ability to leverage AI effectively.
The decision to purchase AI tools from an India-based company and train 15 personnel in Pune is a step in the right direction. However, this initiative appears to be a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the problem. Cybercrime is a rapidly evolving field, and addressing it requires continuous training, investment, and collaboration with international experts. The current efforts seem insufficient and risk being perceived as a mere publicity stunt rather than a genuine commitment to combating cybercrime.
Challenges in Implementation
One of the major challenges facing the Nepal Police is the lack of a comprehensive strategy for integrating AI into their operations. While the hardware and software have been procured, the success of AI tools depends on the quality of data input and the ability of personnel to interpret and act on the insights generated. Given the current gaps in technical expertise, there is a real risk that these tools will be underutilized or misused, rendering the investment ineffective.
Moreover, the focus on AI for crime prediction and personnel evaluation, while commendable, does not address the immediate need for strengthening cybercrime investigation capabilities. The police force requires specialized training in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and data analysis to effectively combat cybercrime. Without addressing these foundational issues, the introduction of AI tools may end up being a costly distraction rather than a solution.
The Need for a Holistic Approach
To truly make a difference, the Nepal government must adopt a holistic approach to tackling cybercrime. This includes:
Investing in Training and Capacity Building: The police force needs specialized training in cybersecurity and digital forensics. This should be an ongoing process to keep up with the evolving nature of cyber threats.
Strengthening Infrastructure: The establishment of digital forensic labs in all provinces is a positive step, but it must be accompanied by the necessary resources and expertise to ensure their effective operation.
Collaboration with Experts: The government should collaborate with international cybersecurity experts, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for combating cybercrime.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about cyber threats and safe online practices is crucial in reducing the incidence of cybercrime.
Transparency and Accountability: The use of AI tools must be accompanied by clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
Conclusion
While the Nepal government’s initiative to adopt AI-based tools for crime control is a step in the right direction, it is not a panacea for the challenges facing the police force, particularly in the realm of cybercrime. Without addressing the underlying issues of inadequate training, infrastructure, and expertise, the introduction of AI risks being perceived as a superficial attempt to modernize policing rather than a genuine effort to improve public safety.
The government must take a more comprehensive and strategic approach to tackling cybercrime, focusing on building the capacity of the police force and investing in the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Only then can the promise of AI be fully realized, and the Nepal Police can effectively combat the growing threat of cybercrime in the country. Until then, the use of AI in policing risks being seen as a mere gimmick rather than a transformative tool for crime control
