Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming sectors across the globe, and Latin America is embracing this technological shift. Governments, particularly in Argentina, are integrating AI into justice and public services to streamline operations and improve efficiency. However, while AI promises innovation, it also faces several challenges.
Government Leads AI Adoption
Although Latin America lags behind the Global North in AI investment—$8.2 billion versus $190 billion—its governments are taking the lead in AI adoption, especially in sectors like justice and public service. Argentina, under President Javier Milei, has made AI a priority, using it to optimize bureaucratic processes and government operations.
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AI In Argentina’s Justice System
AI has been implemented to speed up administrative tasks in the justice system, including citizenship applications and criminal case sentencing. Judges are using AI tools to predict judicial decisions, significantly reducing processing times. For example, AI has slashed decision-making time from one hour to just 10 minutes, though data privacy concerns and errors remain potential risks.
AI For Citizen Services And Data Privacy
In Buenos Aires, the Boti chatbot, powered by AI, helps citizens with tasks like healthcare information and ID card renewals. While Boti improves service access, it raises serious privacy concerns, as outdated laws leave citizens vulnerable to data leaks. In 2024, over 65 million personal records were compromised due to security lapses.
Predictive Policing: A Controversial Step
A new AI unit in Argentina aims to predict crimes before they happen, using machine learning and surveillance data. This initiative has sparked debates about privacy and the potential for overreach, drawing comparisons to the dystopian world of Minority Report. Critics warn that predictive policing could infringe on civil liberties and disproportionately target innocent citizens.
Opportunities And Risks Ahead
AI’s potential to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy in Latin America’s justice system is clear. However, the risks—such as data privacy issues and algorithmic biases—pose significant challenges. How governments address these concerns will shape the future of AI in Latin America’s judicial landscape.
