President Javier Milei of Argentina has established a new security unit, the “Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit” (UIAAS), which will leverage machine learning and AI technologies to anticipate criminal activities. This initiative aligns with Milei’s broad transformations of the country’s economic strategy, wherein he intends to replace numerous government workers and organizations with technologically advanced AI systems.
Last week, Milei expressed his avid interest in AI-driven security services by launching the UIAAS, a proactive entity designed to “detect potential threats, identify movements of criminal groups or anticipate disturbances.” The newly signed resolution by Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich highlights the essentiality of incorporating AI technologies in crime detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution.
Referencing the successful use of AI surveillance by countries like the USA, China, and Israel, the resolution justifies Argentina’s efforts in monitoring its civilians using AI technology. The UIAAS will utilize AI to patrol various platforms, including social networking sites, applications, typical internet sites, and the Deep Web or Dark Web. Employing facial recognition technology, the unit will also analyze real-time security camera images to detect suspicious activities and identify wanted individuals.
Milei’s strategy draws inspiration from Philip K Dick’s Minority Report, wherein AI mimics the function of “Precog” in predicting future criminal activities. The security services plan to leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data, hoping to anticipate and prevent future crimes.
However, this approach is not without controversy, primarily regarding invasive surveillance and human rights issues. The Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information at the University of Palermo has openly expressed concern regarding the recent development. The center’s research reveals that technologies like the ones promoted by this resolution have been used previously to profile academics, journalists, politicians, and activists, endangering privacy rights and freedom of expression.
The resolution, unfortunately, does not clarify how these real-time surveillance, facial recognition, and social media monitoring technologies will be regulated to ensure protection of civilian privacy rights. Argentina’s human rights track record does not inspire confidence either; during its contentious elections in November, both candidates manipulated AI in questionable campaign contents and propaganda materials.
As the capabilities of AI continue to improve, it may become increasingly effective at detecting and possibly even preempting criminal activities. However, managing related privacy and societal issues will pose considerable challenges. To ensure the successful and ethical adoption of AI in predicting and preventing crimes, ground rules for protecting privacy rights and preventing unauthorized profiling need to be established and strictly enforced.
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