Argentina to Use AI for Crime Prediction Raising Human Rights Concerns

Argentina's security forces have announced the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit, which will use AI to predict future crimes. This controversial move, initiated by far-right President Javier Milei, has raised significant concerns among human rights organizations.

AI in Security: A Double-Edged Sword

The new unit will employ machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data and predict potential future crimes. It will also utilize facial recognition software to identify wanted persons, patrol social media, and analyze real-time security camera footage for suspicious activities. The ministry of security claims this technology will help detect potential threats, identify criminal group movements, and anticipate disturbances.

Human Rights Concerns

Experts and human rights organizations fear the technology may lead to over-scrutiny of certain societal groups and infringe on citizens' rights. Amnesty International has warned that large-scale surveillance can stifle freedom of expression, leading individuals to self-censor. "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," said Mariela Belski, executive director of Amnesty International Argentina.

The Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information highlighted that such technologies have historically been used to profile academics, journalists, politicians, and activists, posing a significant threat to privacy without proper oversight.

A Controversial Leader and His Policies

President Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian who came to power last year, has vowed a tough approach to crime. His security minister, Patricia Bullrich, aims to emulate El Salvador's controversial prison model, and the administration is moving towards militarizing security policies. Recently, riot police have used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters, and officials have threatened to sanction parents who bring children to marches.

Historical Context and Potential Risks

Argentina has a dark history of state repression, with an estimated 30,000 people forcibly disappeared during its brutal 1976-83 dictatorship. Thousands were tortured, and hundreds of children were kidnapped. The current government's use of AI for security purposes has evoked strong reactions due to this historical context.

A ministry of security source stated that the new unit would operate within the existing legislative framework, including the Personal Information Protection Act mandate. The focus will be on applying AI, data analytics, and machine learning to identify criminal patterns and trends in the ministry's databases.