This country plans to use AI to predict future crimes
Argentina's security forces have revealed plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting future crimes, a move that has sparked concerns about potential threats to citizens' rights. The country's far-right president, Javier Milei, recently established the 'Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit.' This unit will employ machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data and forecast future criminal activities.
AI unit's surveillance capabilities raise concerns
The AI security unit is also expected to use facial recognition for identifying wanted individuals, monitor social media, and analyze real-time security camera footage for detecting suspicious activities. The Ministry of Security has stated that this initiative will assist in detecting potential threats, identifying movements of criminal groups, and anticipating disturbances. However, human rights organizations have expressed alarm over this Minority Report-esque resolution. Minority Report is a sci-fi film—based on an eponymous novel—where pre-crime units apprehend individuals based on premonitions.
Amnesty International warns of potential human rights infringement
Amnesty International has warned that such extensive surveillance could infringe on human rights. Mariela Belski of Amnesty International Argentina, stated, "Large-scale surveillance affects freedom of expression because it encourages people to self-censor or refrain from sharing their ideas or criticisms if they suspect that everything they comment on, post, or publish is being monitored by security forces." The Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information has also voiced concerns about the misuse of such technologies.
Milei's administration and its approach to crime
Milei, who assumed office late last year, promised a hardline approach toward crime. His administration is reportedly moving toward militarizing security policy and replicating El Salvador's controversial prison model. The government has intensified its crackdown on protests, with riot police employing forceful tactics, including the close-range use of tear gas and rubber bullets. This latest measure has sparked a particularly strong reaction in Argentina, a country with a history of state repression.
