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A new and controversial program has been launched in the United Kingdom — it is aimed at identifying individuals who, based on personal data, may be likely to commit murder in the future. According to The Guardian, this initiative was started during the time of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Murder-predicting algorithms?
This project, carried out by the Ministry of Justice, analyzes a person's passport data, health, arrest records, involvement in criminal cases, behavior, experience of possessing weapons, and even cases of self-harm. Additionally, the algorithm includes information about victims who have contacted the police for help.
That is, individuals who, for certain reasons, have come to the attention of law enforcement are analyzed by a special system, and their probability of committing murder is assessed.
Public safety or an invasion of privacy?
The UK Ministry of Justice emphasizes that this program is being launched for research purposes and is aimed at ensuring public safety.
However, human rights activists consider this initiative “frightening” and unreliable. The Statewatch organization has also submitted a request under the freedom of information law. Experts remind that similar projects were introduced before, but they increased racial, social, and financial discrimination.
Is there reason for concern?
Algorithms, of course, rely on data. However, predicting future human behavior is still a controversial matter. Moreover, the wide-scale analysis of personal data may intensify debates in British society about privacy and freedom of speech.
19:26, 5-04-2025
