About this Research Topic
In the realm of intelligence and security, the integration of advanced technologies has become indispensable for ensuring national security. This field now extends beyond traditional military measures to include digital mechanisms, such as artificial intelligence, to counteract cyber threats that jeopardize public safety, political stability, and economic systems. However, the deployment of these technologies raises significant concerns regarding the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly privacy and data protection. Current accountability frameworks, including those proposed by national and international courts, the Vienna Commission 2007, and the upcoming Convention 108+, aim to establish principles that prevent the misuse of power by intelligence and security services. Despite these efforts, there remains a pressing need for comprehensive accountability measures that can effectively balance the demands of national security with the protection of citizens' rights. This ongoing challenge underscores the necessity for further investigation into the socio-legal and socio-technical dimensions of this issue.
This research topic aims to explore the complex interplay between accountability, intelligence oversight, and the deployment of advanced technologies in the intelligence and security sectors. The primary objective is to examine how accountability principles can be effectively implemented to safeguard human rights while ensuring the efficacy and agility of intelligence operations. Key questions include how to balance national security with privacy rights, the role of AI in surveillance, and the impact of these technologies on public trust. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
To gather further insights in the intersection of national security and accountability, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The development and implementation of accountability frameworks in intelligence operations.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing or undermining privacy and data protection.
• Comparative analyses of national, regional, and international accountability measures.
• The socio-technical challenges of deploying surveillance technologies.
• The impact of intelligence practices on public trust and democratic governance.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the balance between security and human rights.
• Case studies on the effectiveness of existing accountability principles in various jurisdictions.
This research topic aims to explore the complex interplay between accountability, intelligence oversight, and the deployment of advanced technologies in the intelligence and security sectors. The primary objective is to examine how accountability principles can be effectively implemented to safeguard human rights while ensuring the efficacy and agility of intelligence operations. Key questions include how to balance national security with privacy rights, the role of AI in surveillance, and the impact of these technologies on public trust. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
To gather further insights in the intersection of national security and accountability, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The development and implementation of accountability frameworks in intelligence operations.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing or undermining privacy and data protection.
• Comparative analyses of national, regional, and international accountability measures.
• The socio-technical challenges of deploying surveillance technologies.
• The impact of intelligence practices on public trust and democratic governance.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the balance between security and human rights.
• Case studies on the effectiveness of existing accountability principles in various jurisdictions.
Keywords: national security, surveillance deployment, privacy and data protection, cyber-security, AI
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
