High Court Explores AI for Tracing Missing Persons

The Delhi High Court has asked the police to investigate the use of artificial intelligence software to track missing persons. The inquiry follows a petition from a man whose father disappeared due to unknown reasons. The court seeks information on AI's potential in assisting such cases.

The Delhi High Court is assessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence software to assist in locating missing persons, driven by a recent case of a missing individual. The bench, led by Justices Prathiba M Singh and Dharmesh Sharma, has called upon Delhi Police to elaborate on the availability and use of such technology.

The inquiry originated from a petition filed by a man whose father has been unaccounted for since February 17, 2023. The court order mandates that a short affidavit be filed, revealing whether existing AI technologies are employed in confirming the whereabouts of those who go missing under varying circumstances, including mental health issues.

The police counsel has indicated that the crime branch possesses AI tools, though its application in missing person cases remains to be clarified. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 18, where it will further deliberate on the integration of AI in resolving these sensitive cases.