Argentina plans to use 'Minority Report-like' AI to predict and stop future crimes

It looks like Argentinian authorities don’t mind taking a leaf out of Hollywood films to solve crimes in real life. In a rather bizarre and befuddling development, Argentinian authorities are planning to use AI to predict and stop crimes from happening, primarily — just like the movie “Minority Report”.

Argentina’s security forces have announced the creation of a new unit designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict future crimes, a move that has sparked significant concern among human rights experts, according to reports by The Information.

The newly established Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit aims to employ machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data for predicting potential criminal activities.

Additionally, the unit is expected to use facial recognition technology to identify wanted individuals, monitor social media, and analyse real-time security camera footage to detect suspicious behaviours.

The Ministry of Security has stated that this initiative will enhance the ability to detect potential threats, identify criminal group movements, and anticipate disturbances. However, the resolution has been met with alarm by human rights organizations, who fear it could lead to severe privacy infringements and the targeting of specific societal groups.

Experts warn that the implementation of such technology could disproportionately scrutinize certain communities. Concerns have also been raised about the extent of access security forces will have to this sensitive information.

Amnesty International has voiced worries that large-scale surveillance could infringe on human rights, particularly freedom of expression. The organization’s executive director in Argentina, Mariela Belski, noted that surveillance might cause individuals to self-censor or avoid sharing their ideas and criticisms if they believe they are being monitored.

Similarly, the Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information has highlighted the potential misuse of such technologies.

Historically, these tools have been used to profile academics, journalists, politicians, and activists, posing significant threats to privacy without proper oversight. The centre stressed the need for stringent supervision to prevent abuse.

President Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian who came to power last year, has advocated for a tough stance on crime. His administration, led by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, appears to be adopting an increasingly militarized approach to security policy. Bullrich has reportedly shown interest in replicating El Salvador’s controversial prison model.

Additionally, the government has taken a hardline stance against protests, with recent instances of riot police using tear gas and rubber bullets on demonstrators, and officials threatening to penalize parents who bring children to marches.

The announcement of the AI unit has stirred especially strong reactions in Argentina, a country with a traumatic history of state repression. During the brutal dictatorship from 1976 to 1983, an estimated 30,000 people were forcibly disappeared, with many being tortured or killed.

The shadow of these events looms large, fueling fears that the new AI-driven surveillance measures could herald a return to oppressive tactics.

A source from the Ministry of Security assured that the new unit would operate within the existing legislative framework, including adherence to the Personal Information Protection Act.

The unit’s focus will be on applying AI, data analytics, and machine learning to identify criminal patterns and trends within the ministry’s databases. However, given Argentina’s past, the move has been met with widespread apprehension, highlighting the delicate balance between advancing technology and safeguarding human rights.