Amnesty International has issued a warning about Argentina’s expansion of AI-driven surveillance, labeling it as a step towards building a “techno-authoritarian” state without sufficient legal safeguards. This development has raised concerns over potential infringements on civil liberties in the nation. Details of this were highlighted in a report by Amnesty International regarding the government’s increasing monitoring powers.
The organization criticized Argentina’s Ministry of Security for investing over $1.2 million in a range of surveillance tools between 2024 and 2025. The technological arsenal includes social media monitoring, facial recognition software, and drones equipped with thermal cameras and automatic tracking. These systems enable real-time image transmission, raising alarms over privacy and freedom of expression, particularly among protestors, journalists, and marginalized groups.
The Ministry of Security justifies the usage of facial recognition technology, citing its application in judicial investigations. However, the purchase of a Clearview AI license in October 2025, a company with a controversial database of over 70 billion facial images, has intensified the debate. Despite assurances, concerns perpetuate due to past regulatory breaches by Clearview AI in European nations.
Significant policy changes have occurred, such as the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Unit Applied to Security (UIAAS) within the Ministry’s Cybercrime Directorate. This unit was authorized by Resolution 710/2024 to monitor social media and use facial recognition via CCTV, relying on machine learning to predict potential crime threats. Critics highlight the lack of data retention protocols, access restrictions, or independent oversight mechanisms, contributing to fears of unchecked surveillance.
Historical parallels emerge as previous attempts at implementing extensive surveillance faced judicial pushback. A similar system had been nullified over inadequate legislative oversight and the absence of required reporting measures. Buenos Aires’s facial recognition efforts have also been suspended to address privacy concerns.
Further exacerbating apprehensions is the December 31, 2025, issuance of DNU 941/2025, amending the National Intelligence Law through a decree rather than democratic means. Legal experts argue this move stretches constitutional boundaries by empowering intelligence agencies with policing powers traditionally held by law enforcement.
The situation underscores the international discourse on balancing security needs with individual freedoms. Amnesty International advocates banning mass biometric surveillance and emphasizes establishing robust governance for technology use. This call prompts a deeper reflection on the global trend of leveraging AI for state control, urging for practices that ensure protection against misuse and preserve democratic values.