UK to Pilot AI Facial Recognition for Asylum Age Checks

UK to Pilot AI Facial Recognition for Asylum Age Checks
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UK immigration officials will begin testing artificial intelligence to estimate the ages of asylum seekers who claim to be children, The Guardian reported. Immigration Minister Angela Eagle said the pilot will use facial age estimation technology trained on verified images to assist in cases where an individual’s age is disputed.

The move follows a critical report by Chief Inspector of Borders David Bolt, which highlighted long-standing failures in age assessment procedures, particularly at Dover. Eagle described the technology as a cost-effective, quick method to support age assessments, with potential integration into official checks next year. Concerns remain over bias in government AI tools, though ministers continue expanding AI use, including in justice and education.

Bolt’s report warned that poor assessment practices have harmed young asylum seekers’ mental health. A Refugee Council study found over 1,300 children were wrongly classified as adults in 18 months. Experts have urged removing age assessment powers from the Home Office.