In our modern society we rely on information and communication technology for the speed, efficiency, and security of many of our transactions and interactions. The use of these technologies almost always entails the keeping of electronic records. These are of interest to law enforcement and intelligence agencies since they can be used to profile and monitor (potential) suspects. While this may enhance the security of our society, it may also form a threat to privacy and liberty. Up until now, the sheer amount of data available in the information society has acted as a de facto safeguard for privacy and liberty. However, advances in the science of artificial intelligence, most notably in the area of software agent technology, are quickly removing the information overload. Software agents are intelligent programs able to perform tasks without human supervision. In this thesis the use of agents for surveillance purposes is examined. The goal of the thesis is to determine whether the...Show moreIn our modern society we rely on information and communication technology for the speed, efficiency, and security of many of our transactions and interactions. The use of these technologies almost always entails the keeping of electronic records. These are of interest to law enforcement and intelligence agencies since they can be used to profile and monitor (potential) suspects. While this may enhance the security of our society, it may also form a threat to privacy and liberty. Up until now, the sheer amount of data available in the information society has acted as a de facto safeguard for privacy and liberty. However, advances in the science of artificial intelligence, most notably in the area of software agent technology, are quickly removing the information overload. Software agents are intelligent programs able to perform tasks without human supervision. In this thesis the use of agents for surveillance purposes is examined. The goal of the thesis is to determine whether the legal framework for the protection of privacy and liberty in the Netherlands and the United States is still adequate in the light of agent-enabled surveillance. In particular, the thesis explores whether the right to privacy is still an adequate means of protecting liberty.Show less
Leiden University Press|Department: Metajuridica, Institute: eLaw@Leiden, Centre for law in the information society, Faculty of Law, Leiden University|E.M. Meijers Institute of Legal Studies of Leiden University
