Argentina will use AI to 'predict future crimes'

Argentina's government, led by President Javier Milei, has announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit aimed at predicting future crimes using machine-learning algorithms. This initiative will analyze historical crime data, deploy facial recognition software, monitor social media, and assess real-time security camera footage to identify potential threats and criminal activities. However, experts and human rights organizations have raised concerns about the implications for citizens' rights, fearing that certain groups may face excessive scrutiny and surveillance. Amnesty International highlighted that such large-scale monitoring could infringe on freedom of expression, as individuals might self-censor if they believe their activities are being observed. The Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information warned that these technologies could be misused to profile journalists, activists, and others without proper oversight, threatening privacy rights. The government's approach to security has drawn criticism, particularly given Argentina's history of state repression during the 1976-83 dictatorship, which saw widespread human rights abuses. The new unit is expected to operate within the existing legal framework, including the Personal Information Protection Act, and aims to identify criminal patterns in security databases. This move aligns with Milei's hardline stance on crime and reflects a broader trend towards militarizing security policies in the country.