LONDON — Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in law enforcement and public safety across the United Kingdom, with innovative applications addressing both online scams and road safety challenges.
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In the fight against phone scammers, British mobile provider O2 has introduced “Daisy,” an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to waste scammers’ time and prevent them from targeting real victims, NPR reported.
Daisy, modeled as a chatty, elderly “granny,” engages callers with long-winded conversations about her cat and other personal topics, effectively tying up scammers for up to 40 minutes per call, according to the report. The program, developed with the help of software engineer and scam-baiting YouTuber Jim Browning, uses “number seeding” to ensure Daisy’s number appears on scammer call lists.
“We’re committed to playing our part in stopping the scammers, investing in everything from firewall technology to block out scam texts to AI-powered spam call detection to keep our customers safe,” Murray Mackenzie, the company’s director of fraud, said in a statement. “But crucially, ‘Daisy’ is also a reminder that no matter how persuasive someone on the other end of the phone may be, they aren’t always who you think they are.”
On UK roads, AI is being tested to detect impaired drivers in a groundbreaking initiative in Devon and Cornwall, BBC News reported.
The “Heads-Up” camera system, developed by Acusensus, can identify behavior consistent with drink or drug use while drivers are on the road, according to the report. Once flagged, police stationed nearby can pull over the vehicle for further roadside testing.
Geoff Collins, UK general manager for Acusensus, called the trial a “world-first” and highlighted its potential to improve road safety by identifying impaired drivers before incidents occur.
“We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives,” Collins said.
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The Heads-Up cameras are mobile, allowing them to be deployed quickly and without warning, making detection more effective, according to the report.
Devon and Cornwall Police Superintendent Simon Jenkinson noted the importance of integrating emerging technologies like these cameras into policing strategies.
“Our officers cannot be everywhere…We’re committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Embracing emerging technology such as these cameras is vital in that quest,” Jenkinson said.
