• Madagascar is developing a digital criminal records platform as part of a broader modernization of its judicial system.
• Courts already use multiple digital applications to manage civil, criminal, commercial and land-related cases, improving case tracking and administrative efficiency.
• Authorities are evaluating artificial intelligence tools for judicial support functions while regulators push for safeguards on data protection and judicial independence.

Judicial authorities announced the initiative on Tuesday, June 2, during celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the Supreme Court. The project represents a new phase in the country’s digitalization strategy and aims to further dematerialize administrative procedures across the justice sector.

Authorities said several digital applications already operate within Madagascar’s courts. These platforms include Logipenal, Logicivil, INFO, PAC, ILO and IGAP. The systems manage civil, criminal, commercial and land-related cases while supporting case processing, strengthening traceability and reducing administrative delays within judicial institutions. Officials said the modernization effort seeks to address one of the public’s primary expectations by delivering faster and more accessible judicial services. However, authorities acknowledged that the government must extend these tools across the entire national territory to ensure uniform access to digital judicial services and consistent service delivery among courts.

Authorities are also evaluating artificial intelligence as part of the next stage of judicial modernization. Officials said courts already use AI technologies for certain research and document management functions. Authorities believe these tools could improve administrative efficiency and accelerate case handling processes. At the same time, judicial officials stressed that AI should support decision-making rather than replace the role of judges and magistrates.

Against this backdrop, the Commission malgache de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CMIL) has called for a regulatory framework governing the use of artificial intelligence within the justice sector. The commission said ongoing work should lead to rules that balance technological innovation with the protection of personal data and the preservation of fundamental judicial principles.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum