UK government's predictive crime tool sparks privacy fears
The UK government is working on a computer programme intended 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.
The UK government is developing a computer programme aiming to identify people who might commit serious crimes involving violence, including murder. According to the "Guardian," this project is causing much controversy. There are concerns about the violation of citizens’ privacy.
Controversies around the programme
Investigative journalists and analysts from the organisation Statewatch, who filed a request for public information access, found that the programme was initiated by the Ministry of Justice at the request of the Prime Minister’s Office when Rishi Sunak held the position, between 2022 and 2024.
As part of the project, the data of individuals convicted of crimes is analysed, 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 analysed. The ministry emphasises that the project’s goal is to better assess the risk of committing serious crimes, which aims to protect society.
It is noted that the programme is conducted purely for research purposes, and the data comes from the police and detention centres.
Currently, British prison and probation services use similar tools to assess risk. However, the new programme has a broader scope and raises greater concerns about privacy and the ethics of its application.
