Antonio Tejeda Encinas
Lawyer
President of the Euro-American Committee of Digital Law - CEA Digital Law
In 2019 I served as an international observer at the presidential elections in El Salvador, an event that not only showcased an exemplary democratic process but also marked the start of a profound change in Salvadoran politics and society. With Nayib Bukele’s victory, a new era of hope dawned in a country that for decades had been scarred by violence and corruption.
From the moment the polls opened until voting closed, the atmosphere was one of transparency and civic commitment. Citizens turned out in large numbers, driven by the desire for real and tangible change. With his rhetoric of rupture and his pledge to fight corruption, Nayib Bukele won the attention and support of a population eager to leave years of ineffective policies behind.
In the years since his election, El Salvador has seen a remarkable fall in violence and corruption, to historic lows. City streets once notorious for their danger have become safer, and people’s sense of security has improved considerably. This success, however, has not been without controversy.
Bukele’s style of government, characterised by an ‘iron fist’, has been the subject of intense international debate. His policies, which often put security and order above civil liberties, have drawn both praise for their effectiveness and criticism for their authoritarian approach.
The fall in violence has been hailed as a significant achievement, but it raises a fundamental question: can such progress be made without compromising human rights and the rule of law? The temptation to justify harsh methods in the name of security is strong, especially in a country that has suffered so much from gang violence and systemic corruption.
The dilemma facing El Salvador mirrors a global challenge: how can the need for security be balanced with respect for human rights? In a world where security threats are real and present, leaders must find ways to protect their citizens without sacrificing the democratic principles on which their societies rest.
The story of El Salvador under Bukele’s leadership leaves us with an open and urgent question: can a country truly prosper if peace is achieved at the expense of individual rights? The question challenges not only Salvadorans but also the international community, which must reflect on the limits of state power in the pursuit of a fairer and safer order.
As El Salvador moves forward, the tension between the iron fist and human rights will remain a central issue. Lasting success requires leaders to focus not only on immediate results but also on the long-term impact of their policies on their people’s freedom and dignity. Ultimately, the real challenge is to show that it is possible to build a society in which security and human rights coexist in harmony.
As an expert in advanced technology and law, I see a viable way of balancing human rights with crime prevention and law enforcement through technological innovations that respect fundamental freedoms, such as:
Ethical predictive analytics:
Using advanced algorithms to predict criminal behaviour could transform crime prevention. Designed with ethics and privacy protocols built in, these systems make it possible to anticipate and mitigate incidents without resorting to excessive security measures that compromise individual rights.
Artificial intelligence in judicial proceedings:
Using artificial intelligence to analyse and review court cases can lead to fairer and faster decisions, easing the burden on the justice system and minimising the human errors that can result in violations of rights.
Blockchain for transparency and trust:
Adopting blockchain technology for police and court records guarantees the immutability and transparency of the data, reducing opportunities for corruption and increasing public trust in institutions.
Digital education and rehabilitation:
Digital platforms can be powerful tools for the rehabilitation of offenders, offering continuing education and personal development programmes that encourage their reintegration into society.
Drones and smart surveillance: Drones equipped with advanced technologies can provide real-time surveillance of high-risk areas without the need for an intrusive police presence. Regulating their use through strict privacy policies ensures that these tools are used responsibly.
Combined with a firm ethical commitment and proper oversight, these technologies have the potential to change the paradigm of how security and human rights are approached around the world. The challenge is to implement these innovations in a way that respects human dignity, showing that technology can be a powerful ally in the search for a fair balance between security and freedom.
النشرة
فعاليات وأخبار وتحليلات في القانون الرقمي تصلك على بريدك، ولا نراسلك إلا حين يكون لدينا جديد.
