Charities decry UK plan to use AI to assess age of young asylum seekers
Summary
The UK government plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the age of young asylum seekers when their age is uncertain. Refugee children’s organizations warn that this AI technology may make mistakes and lead to children being wrongly treated as adults and placed in adult detention.Key Facts
- The UK Home Office announced a contract to use AI facial age estimation for young asylum seekers with disputed ages.
- Over 100 refugee children’s groups oppose the plan, citing risks of inaccurate age assessments.
- These groups say trauma, poor nutrition, and difficult journeys affect young asylum seekers’ appearances, making AI assessments tricky.
- The Refugee and Migrant Children’s Consortium recommends AI only be advisory, not decisive, in age determinations.
- They want safeguards like legal advice, an appropriate adult present, and the right to challenge decisions included.
- Home Office data shows social workers more often classify asylum seekers as children than immigration officers.
- The government says some adults falsely claim to be children to gain support, justifying the AI use.
- Final decisions on age will still be made by humans after testing and evaluation of the AI.
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