Argentina's President, Javier Milei, announced the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Unit Applied to Security. This new agency, under the Ministry of Security, will be in charge of surveillance in social networks, analysis of security cameras in real time and aerial surveillance using drones. The measure is framed in a context of state adjustment that excludes key areas such as security and defense.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich signed the resolution justifying the need for this unit to prevent and combat crime. According to Bullrich, the implementation of artificial intelligence will allow faster and more accurate responses to threats and emergencies; this body will be composed of police and agents from other security forces, in charge of patrolling virtual and physical spaces.
One of the unit's objectives is to use machine learning algorithms to predict future crimes. This technology will analyze historical data to identify crime patterns and potential threats. In addition, the unit will focus on detecting movements of criminal groups, disturbances and suspicious financial transactions that may indicate illegal activities.
Several experts and civil organizations have expressed concern about the implications of this new unit in terms of citizens' rights. The Center for Studies on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information of the University of Palermo highlighted that the lack of supervision in the acquisition of technologies may lead to abuses. The Observatorio de Derecho Informático Argentino questioned the comparison of security models of countries with contexts and political systems very different from Argentina.
The controversy revolves around the balance between security and civil rights, a key issue in the implementation of new technologies. While the government argues that the unit will improve public security, critics fear that it could be used to restrict privacy and freedom of expression. The creation of this unit opens a new chapter in the debate over the use of artificial intelligence in public administration and its impact on Argentine society.
