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Automated Discrimination: ‘Predictive’ Policing and Data-Profiling in Belgium

par Debailleul, Corentin ; [et al.]
Organisme financeur Statewatch, Ligue des droits humains, Liga voor mensenrechten
Publication Publié, 2025-04-15

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Résumé :

Following an investigation carried out over the past two years, Statewatch, the Ligue des droits humains and the Liga voor mensenrechten, jointly publish a report on the development of ‘predictive’ policing in Belgium. There are inherent risks in these systems, particularly when they rely on biased databases or sociodemographic statistics. The report calls for a ban on ‘predictive’ systems in law enforcement.Police forces around the world rely on algorithms to analyse their databases, predict future crimes and profile potential culprits. Belgium is no exception.In Antwerp, Brussels suburbs, and along the Belgian coast, police forces have launched so-called ‘predictive’ policing initiatives.The Federal Police, for its part, has initiated an ambitious digitisation project, i-Police, integrating American and Israeli algorithmic analysis software.At both the local and federal levels, the lack of transparency regarding these practices is glaring, and the limited information available is particularly concerning.The report shows that the Belgian police face significant shortcomings in managing and controlling their databases. The information they contain is often biased or unfounded.Moreover, predictive policing systems are known to reproduce and exacerbate structural inequalities and discrimination against the most marginalised groups in society.The report calls for a full ban on ‘predictive’ policing in Belgium.