Surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence for public security in Latin America

Abstract

This text analyzes the deployment of public security surveillance technologies that implement artificial intelligence in Latin America. It contextualizes and longitudinally studies the types and characteristics of technologies, and analyzes the political and social narratives that have been publicly disseminated by companies and governments, both to justify and to criticize these implementations in the region. It is based on the hypothesis that the use of artificial intelligence is part of surveillance in the region, and that its dissemination has been gradual in order to contain possible social criticism of potential violations of human rights. The methodological approach is qualitative, mainly documentary, based on the analysis of official statements from organizations, governments and companies. One of the main limitations of the study is the transparency and accountability of governments, which disseminate little information on these issues and the findings are probably marginal, if we compare them with what has actually been acquired and implemented. But precisely, this adds value to the information that was compiled and systematized. The findings and conclusions synthesize the regional diagnosis that shows the increase in demand for these technologies and the growth of the market, in the face of legal gaps for the protection of human rights and other fundamental public policy issues, such as institutional capacities and technological dependence.