The UK government has begun testing artificial intelligence (AI) to assess the age of asylum seekers, a move that has sparked debate over ethics and accuracy. The Home Office confirmed the pilot scheme, which uses AI to analyse physical features and estimate age, is being conducted in partnership with Border Force.
How the AI System Works
The technology analyses facial features and other physical characteristics to estimate whether an asylum seeker is under or over 18. Officials claim it could help prevent adults from posing as children to gain favourable treatment in the asylum process.
Controversy and Criticism
Human rights groups and medical experts have raised concerns about the reliability of AI-based age assessments. Critics argue that physical appearance alone is an unreliable indicator of age, with factors like genetics, nutrition, and trauma causing significant variations.
"This technology risks making life-changing decisions based on flawed science," said one campaigner. "We've seen cases where young refugees are wrongly classified as adults, leaving them vulnerable in the system."
Government Defence
The Home Office maintains that the AI system will only be used as a supplementary tool alongside existing methods. A spokesperson stated: "Age assessment is a complex process, and we're exploring all options to improve accuracy while maintaining safeguards."
The pilot comes as the government faces increasing pressure to manage asylum applications more efficiently, with record numbers of people crossing the Channel in small boats.
