On July 29, 2024, Resolution No. 710/2024 of the Ministry of Security was published in the Official Gazette of the Nation, creating the Artificial Intelligence Unit Applied to Security (“UIAAS”).

This new unit will operate within the scope of the Cybercrime and Cyber ​​Affairs Directorate, which reports to the Cabinet of Advisors Unit of the Ministry of Security. The UIAAS will be headed by the Director of Cybercrime and Cyber ​​Affairs and will include the participation of representatives of the Federal Police and Security Forces.

The mission of the UIAAS is the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crime through the use of artificial intelligence. Its main functions include:

– Patrol social networks, applications and websites, as well as the “deep Internet” or “dark web”, to investigate crimes and detect security risks.

– Identify and compare images in physical or virtual format.

– Analyze security camera images in real time using facial recognition.

– Use machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent future crimes.

– Detect cyber threats before attacks occur, including malware and phishing.

– Process large volumes of data to create suspect profiles and establish links between different cases.

– Use drones for aerial surveillance and emergency response.

– Performing dangerous tasks, such as deactivating explosives, using robots.

– Improve communication and coordination between the Federal Police and Security Forces.

– Analyze social media activities to detect potential threats and anticipate unrest.

– Detect suspicious financial transactions that could indicate illegal activities.

The implementation of the UIAAS will be in accordance with the guidelines and directives established by the Ministry of Security Resolution No. 428/24.

It should be noted that, according to the Ministry of Security Resolution No. 428/24, during preventive work, police personnel must comply with the Personal Data Protection Law No. 25,326. Likewise, said resolution ignores that (i) it is strictly prohibited to handle sensitive data without judicial authorization, as well as to use publications by minors without due permission, and that (ii) if it is detected that the preventive activity involves a minor, it will be immediately suspended and the corresponding authorities will be notified, unless there is a risk to the life of the minor.

The scope and limits of the new UIASS’s actions, particularly when using technological tools to prevent criminal conduct, will have to be carefully analysed, taking into account potential problems regarding the right to privacy and the validity or legality of the actions of the security forces.

For more information and to access the full details of the regulation, please consult the following link: Resolution No. 710/2024.