The Rise of AI-Powered Mass Surveillance in Africa: Implications for Civil Liberties

The implementation of AI-powered mass surveillance systems across Africa has raised significant concerns regarding the violation of citizens' rights to privacy and freedom. A report by the Institute of Development Studies highlights that at least $2 billion has been spent by 11 African governments on surveillance technology, primarily sourced from Chinese companies. This technology includes facial recognition systems, biometric data collection, and extensive CCTV networks, marketed as tools for enhancing urban security and modernizing cities.

Rise of smart city surveillance tech across Africa to spy on citizensThe Guardian

Nigeria leads the investment in surveillance infrastructure, having allocated $470 million for 10,000 smart cameras. Other notable investments include Egypt with 6,000 cameras, and Algeria and Uganda, each with approximately 5,000 cameras. The average expenditure among the 11 countries—Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—amounts to around $240 million, often financed through loans from Chinese banks.

Rise of smart city surveillance tech across Africa to spy on citizens

Experts warn that these surveillance systems are being deployed without adequate legal frameworks, posing risks to political activists, journalists, and marginalized communities. Wairagala Wakabi, Executive Director of the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), stated that the invasive nature of this surveillance is not "legal, necessary or proportionate" to the aim of providing security. The report indicates that the technology has not demonstrably reduced crime or terrorism, raising questions about its justification.

Rise of smart city surveillance tech across Africa to spy on citizens

Critics argue that the narrative surrounding these surveillance systems is predominantly framed through a security lens, which often dismisses civil liberties concerns. Bulelani Jili, an assistant professor at Georgetown University, noted that the introduction of laws regulating surveillance could inadvertently legitimize these systems, allowing governments to suppress dissent under the guise of legality. The report also highlights instances where surveillance has been used to monitor protests, particularly among younger activists in countries like Uganda and Kenya.

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The pervasive nature of surveillance technology has created a chilling effect on public participation. Yosr Jouini, who contributed to the report, emphasized that the fear of being monitored can deter individuals from participating in protests, which have historically been crucial for political change. The report underscores that marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by these technologies, which can lead to increased state repression.

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The report's authors call for greater transparency regarding the procurement and use of surveillance technology, urging governments to assess and disclose the human rights impacts of these systems. They stress that the mass surveillance of citizens, particularly those suspected of no crime, fundamentally violates human rights.

Rise of smart city surveillance tech across Africa to spy on citizens

• “This large-scale and invasive AI-enabled surveillance of public spaces is not ‘legal, necessary or proportionate’ to the legitimate aim of providing security. History shows us that this is the latest tool used by governments to invade the privacy of citizens and stifle freedom of movement and expression.” — Wairagala Wakabi, Executive Director, CIPESA

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• “ “The recording, analysing, and retaining of facial images of individuals in public spaces without their consent interferes with their right to privacy.” — Wairagala Wakabi, Executive Director, CIPESA

Rise of smart city surveillance tech across Africa to spy on citizens

• “Historically marginalised communities, political activists, journalists and minority groups can be disproportionately affected when these technologies become embedded in policing and intelligence practices,” — Bulelani Jili, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University

The Guardian

The rapid expansion of AI surveillance technology in Africa poses significant challenges to civil liberties and human rights. As these systems become institutionalized, the balance between security and accountability remains a critical concern for societies across the continent.

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