vi. Managing heavy data analysis demands Analysis of both the Berlin Christmas market attack in 2016 and the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 attest that datasets should be used to cross-reference information and validate patterns in order to identify relevant connections, as in both instances the attackers were already in local authorities records as subjects of interest.106 Notwithstanding this, given the growing volume and velocity of data collected through law enforcement processes, in particular in the context of online investigations, such analyses are often not possible. Whether it is for the purpose of countering terrorism online or offline, AI can undoubtedly play a significant part in enhancing the capabilities of national authorities to process large quantities of data in an effective manner and, in doing so, to optimize the necessary amount of human and financial resources allocated for any specific situation. More specifically, AI can be used to extract relevant information, filter, and triage data to help prioritize the analysis of vast sets of data that may identify vital investigative leads and help save lives. The analysis of audio-visual content is one task that requires considerable specialized human resources. With the massive expansion of smart video recording capabilities in recent years and in law enforcement’s own surveillance capabilities, including through closed-circuit television (CCTV) and the use of body-worn cameras (or “bodycams”) and patrol drones, there has been a dramatic increase in the quantity of video footage requiring analysis. In the context of terrorism, it is very well established that terrorist groups and individuals make extensive use of the medium of video and actively share and disseminate such content online. Moreover, when considering online counter-terrorism investigations, it is also pertinent to consider that, according to CISCO, by 2021, an estimated 82% of consumer Internet traffic will be video.107 In light of this, the work of digital forensics detectives is immense and growing.
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106 Regarding Manchester see: David Anderson. (Dec. 2017). Attacks in London-Manchester March-June 2017. Accessible at https:// assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664682/Attacks_in_London_and_Manchester_Open_Report.pdf. Regarding Berlin, see: Bruno Jost. (Oct. 2017). Abschlussbericht des Sonderbeauftragten des Senats für die Aufklärung des Handelns der Berliner Behörden im Fall AMRI, Der Sonderbeauftragte des Senats von Berlin. 107 Cisco. (2020). Cisco Annual Internet Report (2018-2023). Accessible at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/executive-perspectives/annual-internet-report/white-paper-c11-741490.pdf.
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