A new report warns that artificial intelligence–powered surveillance systems are rapidly expanding across several African nations, raising serious concerns about privacy and civil liberties. According to researchers, at least eleven governments have collectively spent more than $2 billion on surveillance technology largely supplied by Chinese companies. These systems include facial recognition cameras, biometric data collection platforms, vehicle tracking networks, and large-scale CCTV monitoring designed to observe movements in cities and public spaces.

Governments promoting the systems often describe them as necessary tools for national security and crime prevention. However, human rights researchers argue that the technology is frequently used to monitor political opponents, journalists, activists, and protest movements. Critics say the widespread deployment of smart cameras and biometric tracking creates a “chilling effect” on society, discouraging public demonstrations and limiting freedom of expression. With thousands of cameras already installed in countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, and Uganda, the infrastructure for constant monitoring of public behavior is becoming deeply embedded in everyday life.

SOURCE: Guardian