The Alliance For Change (AFC) has expressed support for the use of advanced technology to combat crime while raising concerns about the government’s planned expansion of mass surveillance across Guyana. AFC Leader David Patterson highlighted the lack of data privacy laws, independent oversight, and protections against potential political abuse in the government’s approach.
This warning follows a national security address by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who outlined a strategy to install thousands of additional facial-recognition surveillance cameras, deploy artificial intelligence-driven tracking networks, and establish smart police stations throughout the country. Patterson noted that the concept of a “Safer Cities” program is not new, as early elements were introduced under the previous APNU+AFC administration, but emphasized that the original rollout was intended to be accompanied by a comprehensive data-protection bill.
Patterson argued that implementing AI-driven monitoring software without a modern statutory framework could lead to unconstitutional executive overreach. He pointed to a lack of transparency mechanisms, citing the Commissioner of Information’s failure to issue any statutory reports to Parliament over the past 15 years as evidence of regulatory deficits. He expressed concern about the government’s inaction regarding access to information.
Additionally, Patterson accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of misusing personal information collected during the 2025 national cash grant registration process for political purposes. He claimed that citizens’ data was used for electoral targeting, raising alarms about the implications of unregulated data collection.
Furthermore, Patterson questioned the government’s initiative to launch an Electronic Identification (eID) card network, criticizing the existence of multiple, ununified identity-tracking systems. He argued that the lack of a centralized, legally audited firewall poses risks for misuse, particularly with the proposed AI-driven surveillance systems.
The AFC is calling for a pause on the acquisition of large-scale monitoring technologies and urges the government to prioritize the passage of a comprehensive Data Protection Act when Parliament reconvenes. The party insists that independent oversight boards must be established before any digital tracking of citizens is permitted.
Source: hgptv.com
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