A framework for understanding automatic identification system (AIS) manipulation: purposes, goals, and strategies

Abstract There is increasing attention paid to the manipulation of ships’ Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals, with implications for maritime safety, law enforcement, and security. Based on the literature and narrative reports, this paper proposes a framework that answers why and when ships engage in AIS manipulations by tracing the purpose, goals, and strategies of their operators. Drawing from the academic literature and narrative reports on AIS manipulation cases by different countries’ shadow fleets, warships, fishing vessels, maritime pirates, and commercial vessels engaged in legitimate transits, the paper argues that AIS manipulation can be used to shield ships from both legitimate and illegitimate maritime actors by engaging in deception and denial through concealment and deterrence. Ships seeking protection from legitimate maritime actors while engaging in illegal activities are likely to use spoofing and falsification strategies, as well as strategies that strategically or intermittently drop the AIS signal. States seeking protection from hostile maritime actors (both legitimate and illegitimate), as they carry out legal activities, are likely to use both disruption strategies and strategic dropping of their AIS signals. This paper has implications for policies implemented by the shipping industry, maritime authorities, and regional and global networks. Effectively addressing AIS manipulation requires a multi-pronged approach that combines regulatory reform, stronger enforcement, technological solutions, and enhanced international cooperation and information sharing.