Electronic communications monitoring, the broken windows theory and artificial intelligence

Abstract

One of the reasons for having a compliance programme is to prevent and detect misconduct. It is for this reason that whistleblower programmes, hotline systems and compliance monitoring programmes have become more relevant. The purpose of monitoring is to determine whether the internal controls are adequately designed and executed in an appropriate manner. In this context, monitoring of electronic communications can provide a company with a clear picture in order to prevent and correct problems on the short-term basis. Despite the fact programmes such as employee monitoring (monitoring of electronic communications) are created by regulators to prevent conduct against the market and the society in general, in light of the ‘broken windows’ theory, any company involved in employee monitoring has an added value: internal and external frauds and misbehaviours are prevented by detection or by deterrence or by a ‘clean environment’, saving millions. The combination of electronic communications and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the way compliance is created. It will also prevent and address the risk before it is too late, avoiding fines and other negative effects, and will become an important tool for management in providing important information in order to focus and run the company. This paper discusses how the combination of electronic communications and AI will change the way compliance is implemented. It will become an important tool for management in providing important information to run the company.