STARLIGHT

The increasing complexity of security challenges, combined with the accumulation of significant amounts of digital data, calls for better and more widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities for law enforcement agencies (LEAs). AI can bring benefits to law enforcement at all levels if provided with the right understanding, tools, data and protection, while increasing awareness of misuse by criminals poses an immediate and worrying threat that needs to be addressed quickly. Furthermore, a community that brings together LEAs, researchers, industry, security practitioners and other actors in the security ecosystem under a coordinated and strategic effort is essential for the realisation of these efforts in operational practices.

STARLIGHT presents an inclusive and sustainable vision to increase awareness, capacity, adoption and long-term impact of AI in Europe for LEAs. Five strategic objectives underpin the STARLIGHT approach: (1) Improve the widespread understanding of AI in law enforcement to strengthen their investigative and cybersecurity operations and the need to uphold legal, ethical and societal values; (2) Provide opportunities for law enforcement to EXPLOIT AI tools and solutions in their operational work that are trusted, transparent and human-centric; (3) Ensure that law enforcement can PROTECT their own AI systems through privacy and security by design approaches, better cybersecurity tools and knowledge; (4) Enhance the expertise and capacity of LEAs to COMBAT AI-supported criminal misuse and terrorism; and (5) BOOST AI for LEAs in Europe through high-quality datasets, an interoperable and standardised framework for the long-term sustainability of solutions, and the creation of an AI hub for LEAs to support a robust AI security industry and enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy in AI. STARLIGHT will ensure that European LEAs lead AI innovation, autonomy and resilience, addressing current and future challenges, and prioritising Europe’s security for all.