Latin America is becoming a laboratory for tech-supremacism

What the report says

Al Jazeera published an opinion article by Federico Pita, founder and president of Diáspora Africana de la Argentina, arguing that parts of Latin America are becoming a testing ground for what he calls “tech-supremacism.” Pita links Trump-aligned politics, deregulation, biometric surveillance and closer alignment with Washington to a regional model that he says could strengthen state and corporate control under the language of security and free-market reform.

The article points to Argentina as a central example. It says Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has moved to Buenos Aires, while President Javier Milei’s government has promoted an incentive framework for artificial intelligence investment known locally as the Super RIGI. Pita characterizes the plan as offering major benefits to tech firms, including tax and customs advantages and access to resources needed for data infrastructure. He also cites a Ministry of Human Capital announcement of a “Social Digital Twin” platform, while noting that the government did not identify providers or provide details on safeguards, data protection or oversight.

Pita also highlights biometric and genetic surveillance measures in Argentina, including a May agreement between the Ministry of Security and the FBI involving CODIS genetic profiling software, and a resolution expanding mandatory genetic registration to indicted citizens. He argues such systems can heighten risks for racialized and marginalized communities, especially where policing data already reflects unequal enforcement.

The piece further references unverified claims of election interference or fraud raised by leaders in Colombia and Peru, which it says have not been judicially corroborated. As an opinion article, Al Jazeera notes the views are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the outlet’s editorial position.