the Ministry of Security adopts AI to combat crime

In Argentina, the Ministry has established the Unità Intelligenza Artificiale (AI) Applicata alla Sicurezza (UIAAS) to combat cybercrime.  

Argentina: adopting AI at the governmental level against cybercrime

In Argentina, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become governmental. The Ministry of Security of the country has established the Applied Artificial Intelligence to Security Unit (UIAAS) to combat cybercrime. 

The decision was made by President Javier Milei, and it is raising concerns among human rights and privacy experts.

In practice, machine learning algorithms will be used to analyze historical crime data and predict possible offenses.

In the document, there is the list of the 11 functions in which AI will be adopted:

a. Patrolling open social networks, applications, and websites, as well as the so-called “deep Internet” or “Dark-Web”, in order to investigate crimes and identify their perpetrators, as well as to identify situations of serious security risk, within the framework of the national Constitution and current legislation.

b. Identify and compare images on physical or virtual media.

c. Analyze the images from security cameras in real-time to identify suspicious activities or identify wanted individuals through easy recognition.

d. Utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data in order to predict future crimes and help prevent them.

e. Identify unusual patterns in computer networks and detect cyber threats before attacks occur. This includes the identification of malware, phishing, and other forms of cyber attacks.

f. Process large volumes of data from various sources to extract useful information and create profiles of suspects or identify links between different cases.

g. The drones patrol vast areas, provide aerial surveillance, and respond to emergencies.

h. Perform dangerous tasks, such as the disposal of explosive devices, using robots.

i. Improve communication and coordination between the different federal police and security forces, thus ensuring a rapid and efficient sharing of critical information.

j. Analyze social media activity to identify potential threats, identify the movements of criminal groups, or anticipate unrest.

k. Detect suspicious financial transactions or anomalous behaviors that may indicate illegal activities.

Argentina and AI against crime: the reasons behind this decision and the criticisms

Analyzing the document, there are points that also describe the reasons behind Argentina’s decision to adopt AI against crime, at the governmental level. 

In fact, Argentina has considered AI as a technology at the service of security following the example of other countries such as the United States of America, China, the United Kingdom, Israel, France, Singapore, India. These countries are already pioneers in the use of Artificial Intelligence in their areas of government and Security Forces.

Not only, specifically, these countries would use AI in video analysis and facial recognition, in crime prediction, in cybersecurity, in data analysis, in drones and robotics, in communication and coordination. The description continues with virtual assistants and in automation, in social network analysis and in the detection of fraud and anomalies.

At the same time, however, such a decision by the government of Javier Milei has sparked criticism, especially from various human rights organizations. In fact, Amnesty International Argentina warns that large-scale surveillance could limit freedom of expression, encouraging self-censorship.

The Centro argentino per gli studi sulla libertà di espressione also said it fears that the technology could be used to improperly profile academics, journalists, and activists.

The Argentine Observatory of Computer Law has emphasized that the security resolution “justifies the measure by invoking comparative experiences, of which not the slightest analysis is ever made”. At the same time, however, it asked:

“Are the security systems of China or India really comparable to those of France or Singapore and, at the same time, all to that of Argentina?”.

What is happening in the United Kingdom?

Recently, it emerged that the government of the United Kingdom is reconsidering its investment strategy on the adoption of AI technology. 

Specifically, the United Kingdom would be favoring support for the public sector over direct sector investments, while significant public finance deficits are emerging. 

In practice, at the center of the discussion is the cancellation of a 1.3 billion dollar fund that was dedicated to the exploration of technologies related to Artificial Intelligence.