When it comes to crime, you can’t algorithm your way to safety

The UK government’s proposed AI-powered crime prediction tool, designed to flag individuals deemed “high risk” for future violence based on personal data like mental health history and addiction, marks a provocative new frontier.

Elsewhere, Argentina’s new Artifical Intelligence Unit for Security intends to use machine learning for crime prediction and real-time surveillance. In Canada, police forces in cities like Toronto and Vancouver use predictive policing and tools like Clearview AI facial recognition. And in some US cities, AI facial recognition is paired with street surveillance to track suspects.

The promise of anticipating violence Minority Report-style is compelling. But…