World Immigration News

UK border officials to use AI to verify ages of child asylum seekers

Release Date: 2025-07-22
Media: The Guardian
Summary: The UK government will pilot the use of AI-based facial age estimation to help determine the age of asylum seekers who claim to be minors. Immigration Minister Angela Eagle stated that the technology, trained on millions of verified images, offers a cost-effective and quick method for age assessment, especially when an individual’s claimed age is disputed.

This move follows a critical report by Chief Inspector David Bolt, who highlighted serious flaws in current age verification processes, particularly at the Dover facility, and their negative impact on young asylum seekers' mental health. At least 1,300 children were wrongly classified as adults over an 18-month period, according to the Refugee Council.

Despite concerns about bias in AI tools, the government is expanding their use across public services. A new deal with OpenAI will explore AI applications in justice, security, and education. Meanwhile, researchers have recommended removing the Home Office’s authority over decisions regarding lone child asylum seekers due to ongoing failures.
Tags: United Kingdom

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