International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is permeating every sector with impressive smartness. It is also creating new challenges that signal the limitation of the technology. Despite the immense contributions of AI-based surveillance systems (ABSSs) in the area of national security, they still have risk of infringing on the privacy rights of individuals. This constitutes one of the existential problems in Anambra State.
Objective: This study explored this dilemma of the conflicting demands of security and privacy in the use of ABSSs in Anambra State.
Method: Google form survey method was used to collate primary data from the sample population of 384 citizens. Data analysis was done using frequency and percentage tables. Results: The findings of the study revealed that majority of the citizens desire the adoption of ABSSs in the state, but are equally worried about the possible violation of their privacy rights.
Conclusion: Although the citizens desire the adoption of ABSSs by the government to foster security, there is need to checkmate the adoption and use of ABSSs to forestall privacy violations.
Unique Contribution: This research uniquely contributes policy-relevant evidence by demonstrating the coexistence of public support for AI-driven security and concern for privacy rights, thereby informing the design of balanced, privacy-conscious surveillance policies in Anambra State and similar contexts.
Key Recommendation: The study recommended that stakeholders should work in collaboration to achieve ABSSs that are privacy-friendly in Anambra State.