Chinese scientists have developed an AI algorithm that could act as an independent public prosecutor.

Reports suggest that artificial intelligence identifies crimes and presses charges with more than 97% accuracy. It relies on 1,000 ‘traits’ from description texts of about 17,000 real cases from 2015–2020. The algorithm identifies 8 common crimes, including fraud, illegal gambling crimes, dangerous driving, and theft.

In a statement published in Management Review, the project’s lead scientist Professor Shi Yong from the Chinese Academy of Sciences claims that to some extent, the system could replace prosecutors in decision-making. The technology will reduce the burden for the staff of prosecution offices, so that they can focus on more complex tasks.

The machine was tested by the largest regional prosecution office in China, the Shanghai Pudong People’s Procuratorate. No information is yet available on whether the solution is to be implemented for daily use.

More information can be found on the website of South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3160997/chinese-scientists-develop-ai-prosecutor-can-press-its-own