Balancing Privacy and Security: A Comparative Analysis of AI-Driven Surveillance in the UAE and USA

Abstract

AI-driven surveillance has emerged as a critical tool for enhancing public safety, enabling authorities to monitor and prevent crime and terrorism more effectively. In countries like the UAE and the USA, these systems are often implemented under the pretext of national security, offering advanced methods to track potential threats. However, the increasing reliance on AI for surveillance raises significant ethical concerns about privacy and individual freedoms. The boundary between protecting citizens and infringing on their privacy becomes increasingly blurred, potentially leading to abuses of power, diminished public trust, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear. This paper explores the complex relationship between privacy and security in AI-driven surveillance practices in the UAE and the USA. Despite their differing political and legal systems, both countries face similar challenges in managing the ethical implications of AI surveillance. While these technologies can improve accuracy and efficiency, unchecked surveillance poses risks to civil liberties, particularly regarding data collection, analysis, and utilization. The central ethical dilemma revolves around whether certain rights should be compromised for security. While some scholars argue that the benefits of AI surveillance justify its use, others contend that privacy and freedom must remain inviolable, even amid security threats. The paper also examines the distinct approaches of the UAE and the USA in implementing surveillance systems. In the UAE, a centralized authority and significant technological investments have enabled extensive state surveillance with minimal public resistance. In contrast, the USA, as a democratic nation, continues to grapple with legal and ethical debates surrounding the limitations of its surveillance programs. The study aims to compare surveillance practices, analyze legal frameworks, and evaluate the impact on citizen freedoms. It concludes with policy recommendations to ensure responsible AI use, balancing national security with fundamental human rights.