Argentinian security forces have announced plans to use artificial intelligence to ‘predict future crimes’ but experts warn the move could threaten citizens’ rights.
Far-right president Javier Milei has created the Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit which will use algorithms to analyse historical crime data.
The data produced will then be used to predict future crimes, The Guardian has reported.
The security unit is also expected to be able to use facial recognition software to track down wanted persons and detect suspicious activity.
However, the Minority Report-esque resolution has concerned human rights campaigners who fear certain groups in society may be over-scrutinised by the AI technology.
Pictured: Argentinian President Javier Milei gives a speech in Buenos Aires on July 28
Pictured: Riot police in Buenos Aires in August 2022
Argentina’s President Javier Milei arrives at the official opening ceremony of the 136th Rural Society’s annual exposition in Buenos Aires on July 28
There are also concerns over who will be able to access the information that the security unit produces.
Mariela Belski, the executive director of Amnesty International Argentina. said: ‘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 added that similar technology has historically been used to profile people working as ‘academics, journalists, politicians and activists’.
They added that this has the potential to threaten the privacy of those involved.
Milei came to power at the end of last year and is known for his hardline approach to tackling crime.
His government has since cracked down on protests with riot police using tear gas and rubber bullets on demonstrators.
Milei came to power at the end of last year and is known for his hardline approach to tackling crime
Pictured: A general view from the closing ceremony of Great Argentine Rural Exhibition that was attended by Milei
Milei’s government has cracked down on protests with riot police using tear gas and rubber bullets on demonstrators
According to reports, Milei’s security minister Patricia Bullrich also seeks to introduce a replica of El Salvador’s controversial prison model in Argentina.
The South American country has a long history of state repression with around 30,000 people displaced during its dictatorship between 1976-83.
Thousands were also tortured and hundreds of children kidnapped during the period of repression.
A source from the Argentinian security services told the Guardian that the new unit will work within the current legislative framework.
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