The Future of Policing: 5G Technology and the Risks of Privacy Infringement
Access to 5G Bandwidth Enhances Police Work, but Challenges Remain
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian police force stands to benefit from improved real-time information and intelligence sharing through access to a dedicated slice of the 5G bandwidth, according to a criminologist. However, infrastructure and cost challenges in remote regions, high-density zones, and maritime borders may hinder full utilization of the technology.
Geshina Ayu Mat Saat, a criminologist from Universiti Sains Malaysia, commented on the proposal by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to assign a secure slice of the 5G bandwidth to the police force to enhance its policing and emergency response. She highlighted the need for a pilot test to gauge the response time, practicality, and cost of the technology.
Infrastructure and Cost Concerns
Geshina emphasized the importance of considering local natural and man-made structures and conditions that may affect the quality and cost-effectiveness of the technology. She also suggested obtaining insights from people and organizations not affiliated with the companies behind the technology, who directly benefit from the sale, rent, and maintenance of the products.
Privacy and Civil Liberties at Risk
Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang highlighted the risk of privacy infringements due to the potential use of 5G technology for unauthorized surveillance and data collection. He emphasized the need for clear guidelines to govern the use of advanced surveillance technologies to ensure they comply with privacy rights and civil liberties.
Cooperation and Responsible Use
Chang called for cooperation between the police, technology experts, legal advisers, and community representatives to ensure responsible use of 5G technology. He suggested that law enforcement agencies develop curricula that cover the technical aspects of 5G tools, ethical considerations, and legal frameworks.
Conclusion
The integration of 5G technology into law enforcement has the potential to enhance crime prevention and emergency response. However, it is crucial that the government and stakeholders address the challenges and risks associated with this technology, including infrastructure and cost concerns, as well as the potential for privacy infringements. A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety and individual rights is necessary to ensure the responsible use of 5G technology.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of 5G technology for law enforcement?
- 5G technology can enhance real-time information and intelligence sharing, improving crime prevention and emergency response.
- What are the challenges of implementing 5G technology for law enforcement?
- Infrastructure and cost challenges in remote regions, high-density zones, and maritime borders may hinder full utilization of the technology.
- How can 5G technology be used responsibly?
- Clear guidelines and protocols must be established to govern the use of 5G technology, ensuring compliance with privacy rights and civil liberties. Law enforcement agencies should develop curricula that cover the technical aspects of 5G tools, ethical considerations, and legal frameworks.