ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NAVIGATION SERVICES AS A NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY THREAT, AND MITIGATION METHODS

First, it is necessary to explain why navigation services should now be viewed as a national cybersecurity threat. The services used in Turkey are the most well-known in the world: Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Yandex Maps. Two of these are American, and one belongs to a Russian company. In Turkey, widespread usage occurs via Google Maps.

The primary function of these services seems simple: The user provides location information, and the algorithm identifies the most suitable route. However, this “suitable route” can turn into serious environmental damage if desired, especially in giant metropolises like Istanbul, through directions that increase carbon emissions. More importantly, in times of crisis or due to a systemic error, considering that even an isolated incident like a suicide attempt on a bridge in Istanbul can lock up traffic for hours, this congestion could last for days under the guidance of algorithms.

In short, a software error or manipulation can stop not only transportation but also the city's breath.

This risk is not just a problem for individuals, but also for the state. Because a similar picture applies to the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector.

The artificial intelligence-based analysis system KURGAN, recently launched by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, clearly demonstrated this danger. The system, developed to prevent fake invoices, flagged many companies as “risky taxpayers” as of September 29. However, these notifications, made without an official investigation or reporting, caused great chaos in the market.

While companies and financial advisors were forced to work overtime, many businesses were forced to cut off their commercial relations. This practice, which violates the presumption of innocence, cast suspicion not only on the targeted companies but also on their customers. Sector representatives say that such a process damages commercial reputation and market confidence, and deals a direct blow to economic operations.

This example shows how serious a national security and economic threat the uncontrolled and unsupervised use of artificial intelligence in public institutions can pose.

In other words, the issue is not just who holds the data, but who is granted the authority to make decisions. Domestic systems used unconsciously can produce the same result as foreign algorithms. Because the problem is not nationality, but a lack of oversight.

Solutions

Turkey needs a national navigation system very quickly. This is not just a software investment; it is a strategic move. Encouraging domestic production in this field and viewing the software ecosystem as a strategic sector can no longer be postponed. However, the point that must not be forgotten is this: even if the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector is provided through national solutions, no action should be left entirely to artificial intelligence in decision-making and thinking processes.

Artificial intelligence exists to support human intellect; not to disable it.