If Algorithms Dream of Customs, Do Customs Officials Dream of Algorithms? A Manifesto for Data Mobilisation in Customs

Abstract

Governance by data is a growing global trend, supported by strong national public policies whose foundation is open data, artificial intelligence and decision-making supported by algorithms. Despite this trend and some technical advances, Customs face obstacles in deploying ambitious data use policies. This article describes these challenges through recent experience in some Customs administrations and considers the technical and ethical issues specific to all law enforcement agencies in the context of customs missions, to open paths for research and propose policy recommendations for a better use of customs data.