CHATBOT
The curious case of the $20M chatbot
AI is getting involved in criminal investigations, and investors are putting millions behind it.
San Francisco startup Longeye has raised $20 million in new funding, bringing its total to $25 million.
Its AI helps US police and legal teams analyse huge amounts of digital evidence, including surveillance footage, phone records and witness statements.
The idea came after co-founder Guillaume Delépine experienced a burglary and discovered that local police were juggling around 300 open cases.
He wanted to help investigators spend less time sorting through records and more time solving crimes.
Around 50 US justice agencies already use Longeye, including 30 public defenders' offices.
However, experts warn that AI errors, bias and the increased use of surveillance data could have serious consequences for criminal investigations.
Here's what else to know:
Investigators can ask a chatbot to search evidence, build timelines and spot conflicting statements, with findings linked to original records.
Experts warn that making surveillance data easier to analyse could raise civil liberties concerns, especially if AI makes mistakes.
Longeye says investigators remain responsible for decisions and plans to invest in stronger safeguards, training and oversight.
Elementary, my dear algorithm
AI could help speed up investigations, but experts say reliable safeguards and human judgement will be crucial when people's freedom is at stake.
I need the AI detective to have a tiny digital trench coat. It's called professionalism.- MG