Argentina to Deploy AI in Crime Prediction: A Step Too Far?

In Brief:

Argentina is set to develop a specialized task force using artificial intelligence to identify and deter future crimes, led by the Ministry of Security.

While the government claims it will help prevent crimes, critics, including prominent software engineers, express concerns over privacy and effectiveness.

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AI Task Force to Prevent Future Crimes

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Argentina is set to develop a specialized task force using artificial intelligence to identify and deter future crimes within the nation.

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The Ministry of Security of Argentina has announced the creation of the Applied Artificial Intelligence for Security Unit (UIAAS), led by the director of cybercrime and cyber affairs, along with members from the Argentine Federal Police and security forces.

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Machine Learning to Predict Crimes

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One of the main tasks of the group will be to “use machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data to predict future crimes and help prevent them,” according to a recent statement by the Ministry of Security of Argentina.

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The crimes of interest for the UIAAS range widely, including identifying potential cyber threats by detecting “unusual patterns in computer networks,” such as malware and phishing.

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Broader Applications and Privacy Concerns

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The unit will also handle dangerous tasks like bomb disposal and attempt to improve communication speed between the police and security teams.

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Monitoring social media activity was also mentioned as a method to detect any signs of communication about potential future crimes. However, not everyone is convinced of the initiative's benefits.

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Critics, including well-known American software engineer Grady Booch, have expressed concerns over privacy and the long-term implications of such technology.