AI and criminal surveillance in Kazakhstan

In this study, both application and implications for artificial intelligence are explored within the context of Kazakhstan, a nation that is increasingly adopting artificial intelligence technologies in criminal surveillance to enhance public security. Although AI-driven techniques like facial recognition, predictive policing, and smart city infrastructures present intriguing opportunities for crime prevention and surveillance, they also introduce complex legal and ethical dilemmas. This study seeks to assess the degree of AI integration into Kazakhstan’s law enforcement procedures, focusing on the alignment of these technologies with international human rights norms and state legislative safeguards. Following a critical analysis of Kazakhstan’s legal framework, significant gaps are uncovered in regulating artificial intelligence surveillance, particularly relating to privacy and transparency. This study utilizes global precedents and ethical frameworks to solve existing gaps and provides practical policy recommendations specific to Kazakhstan’s unique socio-political context. The findings of this study highlight the need for robust legal safeguards, such as independent oversight bodies and data protection laws, to balance security with civil liberties. By situating Kazakhstan’s approach within the broader discourse on AI ethics and surveillance, this study contributes valuable insights into developing AI policies that support both technological advancement and the protection of human rights. The practical significance of this work extends to policymakers, scholars, and human rights advocates aiming to navigate the delicate equilibrium between public safety and personal freedoms in the era of AI-enhanced policing.