Performing Securitization: The Socio-Technical Imaginary of AI-Based Security

• In Event: Performing Socio-Technical Imaginaries - I

Abstract

Advances in machine learning, which is now used in many contexts, have made artificial intelligence (AI) more relevant not just to business but also to governments. In recent years, more and more governments have published strategy papers outlining their vision for the development, application and regulation of AI technologies. In November 2018, the German Government published its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence as well. Among other possible applications of AI, the intention to intensify the contribution of AI-based technologies to "civil security" is stated.
The paper presents a research project that firstly elaborates the socio-technical imaginary of harnessing AI for civil security, and secondly analyses its impact on the development and application of AI-based security devices. The project will examine the not yet explored performative function of this socio-technical imaginary in the legitimation of securitization and corresponding security measures.
Alongside a 4-phase model (Jasanoff 2015, pp. 322) of performing STIs the project aims at addressing the following questions:
1. Conceptualization: Which STI is articulated by combining AI and civil security?
2. Embedding: What institutionalizations and materializations are supposed to translate the STI into reality?
3. Resistance: What challenges does the STI face and what are the consequences?
4. Extension: Which national and sectoral borders does the STI cross?

Author

• Jens Hälterlein, Long Distance University Hagen