UK's new crime prediction tool sparks privacy outcry
The UK government is working on a computer program designed to use confidential data to identify individuals who may commit serious violent crimes, including murder, reported the "Guardian" on Wednesday. Critics describe it as a "chilling and dystopian" idea.
This computer program, developed by the UK government, aims to identify people who might commit serious crimes involving violence, including murder. According to the "Guardian," this project is causing a great deal of controversy. There are concerns about the violation of citizens' privacy.
Controversies around the program
Investigative journalists and analysts from the organization Statewatch, who filed a request for public information access, discovered that the program was initiated by the Ministry of Justice at the behest of the Prime Minister's Office when Rishi Sunak held the position, between 2022-2024.
As part of the project, the data of individuals convicted of crimes is analyzed, including personal details, gender, and ethnic background, as well as the identification number in the police computer system. However, according to Statewatch, data of individuals not convicted of any crime is also being used, concerning, among other things, their mental health, addictions, suicide attempts, self-harm, and disabilities.
Sofia Lyall from Statewatch described the project as "chilling and dystopian," pointing to the risk of reinforcing racial and social biases.
The ministry defends the project
The Ministry of Justice defends the project, stating that only data of individuals with at least one criminal conviction is analyzed. The ministry emphasizes that the goal of the project is to better assess the risk of committing serious crimes, which aims to protect society.
It is noted that the program is conducted purely for research purposes, with data sourced from the police and detention centers.
Currently, British prison and probation services use similar tools to assess risk. However, the new program has a broader scope and raises greater concerns about privacy and the ethics of its application.
