Amnesty: Argentina's AI Surveillance Threatens Freedoms

Amnesty International accuses Argentina of building a techno-authoritarian surveillance system. The group states that Argentina's government is expanding state monitoring powers over citizens' online communications and physical movements. Here's the thing: Argentina's Ministry of Security spent at least $1.2 million on surveillance technology between 2024 and 2025. This includes social media monitoring tools, facial recognition software, and thermal-camera drones. Amnesty is concerned about the surveillance of various groups, including protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders. They warn this can create a "chilling effect," where people avoid speaking or organizing. What's interesting is that in October 2025, Argentina bought a Clearview AI facial recognition license for $33,500. Clearview's database has billions of facial images. Argentina's new Artificial Intelligence Unit Applied to Security, created in July 2024, can patrol social media and use real-time facial recognition. While the resolution states these powers must operate within the Constitution, it lacks specifics on data retention or independent oversight. The bottom line: These developments raise significant concerns about privacy and fundamental freedoms.