Amnesty International warns about the increase in AI surveillance in Argentina
The Government of Argentina, under the administration of Javier Milei, has significantly intensified the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technologies over the last two years. According to a recent report released by Amnesty International, this deployment has strengthened the State’s capacity to collect massive data, profile citizens, and exercise control measures that have raised human rights concerns.
The report, titled “State of surveillance: The expansion of the use of mass surveillance technologies by the Government of Argentina”, points out that various institutional reforms, executed through decrees and resolutions, have facilitated the expansion of state powers for the constant monitoring of the population.
Million-dollar investment in monitoring tools
During the period between 2024 and 2025, the Argentine Executive has allocated approximately 1.2 million dollars for the acquisition of advanced equipment. Among the tools incorporated, facial recognition systems, aerial surveillance technology, and platforms specialized in tracking and analyzing social networks stand out.
Matt Mahmoudi, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, warned about the implications of these measures:
These technologies have become an integral part of state control infrastructure: dissent has been targeted, protest movements have been deterred, and marginalized groups have been harassed, among other authoritarian practices.
Matt Mahmoudi, Amnesty International researcher
Impact on civil society
The study is based on an exhaustive analysis that included interviews with journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, in addition to the review of public procurement documents. The investigation details that the acquired infrastructure allows for:
- Analyze massive volumes of data from social networks, websites, and the dark web.
- Implement high-precision facial recognition software.
- Deploy drones equipped with thermal cameras and real-time image transmission.
This deployment has generated a self-censorship effect in vulnerable sectors, who express fear of being identified during demonstrations or public activities. Testimonies collected in the report describe the constant presence of drones over protesters, which is perceived as an invasive and intimidating action.
Regulatory and accountability requirements
Given this scenario, Amnesty International has urged the Argentine government to implement strict regulation. The organization requests a ban on the development and use of remote biometric recognition technologies when they have discriminatory purposes. Likewise, it emphasizes the urgent need to establish independent oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency in the use of these technological tools.
For the organization, it is fundamental that Argentina reaffirms its commitment to the respect for fundamental freedoms, ensuring that any surveillance system based on artificial intelligence is duly supervised and that there are direct parties responsible for any abuse of power.
