Lucknow: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly accelerate the analysis of evidence and strengthen criminal investigations, but it cannot replace human expertise or alter the legal standards governing evidence, experts said during the ‘TechSangam’ session of the three-day International Dialogue-26 at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) on Friday.Addressing forensic professionals, researchers and investigators, panelists said AI is emerging as a powerful tool for collecting, organizing, processing and analyzing large volumes of information. However, the authenticity, integrity and reliability of evidence must still be established through conventional forensic and legal procedures before any conclusions can be considered credible.Experts explained that AI helps investigators compare data from multiple sources, identify hidden links, recognize patterns and present key findings through integrated dashboards, enabling faster and more efficient investigations. Yet, they emphasized that technology does not change the fundamental nature of evidence and cannot independently determine guilt or innocence.The discussion highlighted AI’s growing role across multiple forensic domains, including CCTV footage analysis, facial and object recognition, fingerprint matching, DNA and biological evidence examination, digital forensics, voice comparison and crime-location mapping. AI can also enhance image quality, verify image authenticity and search vast databases to identify similarities and possible connections between cases.Panelists cautioned that the speed of AI-driven analysis should not be mistaken for accuracy. AI systems can produce biased or incorrect results, while digitally manipulated or AI-generated content can complicate investigations. Consequently, all AI-generated findings must be verified against original evidence and corroborated through independent examination.Experts stressed that effective deployment of AI depends on accurate data collection, reliable databases, certified software, robust hardware infrastructure and adequately trained personnel. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of technical systems are also essential to maintain the quality and credibility of forensic analysis.The panel further noted that legal admissibility does not automatically follow because a finding was generated using AI. Courts will continue to assess evidence based on its authenticity, relevance, reliability and the transparency of the investigative process. Investigators must be able to explain how evidence was collected, analyzed and interpreted.Concluding the discussion, experts said AI should be viewed as an investigative aid rather than an unquestionable authority. While the technology can help agencies analyze information faster and uncover critical leads, its true value lies in strengthening forensic expertise through human oversight, accountability and adherence to legal safeguards.
