AI Security Applications Unit Crime Prediction

Argentina announced plans to use artificial intelligence to predict future crimes before they are initiated. The concept was announced by the countrys Ministry of Security as a new Artificial Intelligence Unit Applied to Security. The unit will be tasked with the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crime, in addition to conducting drone surveillance, patrolling social media and using facial recognition to bolster security measures. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich signed a resolution saying it would significantly improve the efficiency of the different areas of the ministry and of the federal police and security forces, allowing for faster and more precise responses to threats and emergencies. According to the announcement, the new unit will use machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data to predict future crimes and help prevent them. Human rights groups are concerned the new measures could infringe on freedom of expression as members of the public may self-censor for fear their social media posts will be subjected to government monitoring. The Argentine Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information noted that in the past, such technologies have been used to profile academics, journalists, politicians and activists. A Buenos Aires court ruled in 2023 that the use of facial recognition by the government was unconstitutional in the city. The judge in that case ruled the implementation of the monitoring system was done without complying with the legal requirements for the protection of the personal rights of the inhabitants of the City of Buenos Aires.