Dr. Wendy O’Brien
- Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer
- UNODC, Austria
Dr. Wendy O’Brien works with the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section of UNODC, based in Vienna. As Technology and Innovation Advisor, Wendy champions the integration of human rights principles into the design, adoption, and evaluation of technologies to advance a vision of justice, equity, and dignity worldwide.
Prior to joining UNODC, Wendy held academic roles in Australia. During her tenure as Senior Specialist with the Australian Crime Commission, she pioneered policy innovations to enhance public safety and statutory services for victims of gender-based violence and child sexual assault. As Adjunct Associate Professor with Deakin University, Wendy has published widely on violence prevention, technology, and human rights-led law reform. Her latest book: Children’s Rights and Criminal Justice in the Digital Age, was published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2024.
Sessions
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Use of AI at the Border
AI and frontier technologies in the context of counter terrorism: threats, opportunities, and human rights considerations
AI is increasingly playing a pivotal role in enhancing border security systems, utilizing advanced technologies to improve surveillance, threat detection, and data analysis. Currently, AI-driven solutions such as facial recognition, predictive analytics, and autonomous drones are employed to monitor borders efficiently and accurately. These systems can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling authorities to identify potential risks and respond swiftly to security threats. In the future, we can expect even more sophisticated applications of AI, including the integration of machine learning algorithms that continuously adapt and improve based on evolving threats. Innovations such as biometric sensors and AI-enabled surveillance systems will likely create a more secure environment while balancing the need for privacy and ethical considerations. As technology continues to evolve, AI will remain a cornerstone in shaping the landscape of border security, ensuring safer and more effective management of national boundaries.