The United Kingdom government is advancing its plans to implement artificial intelligence technology at border checkpoints to identify asylum seekers who falsely claim to be minors. The system, expected to be operational by 2027, will estimate an individual's age by analyzing facial photographs taken during immigration procedures. Officials emphasize that the technology is designed to support existing age assessment methods and improve the detection of adults posing as children, as reported by the BBC.
Contract Awarded for AI Development
The Home Office has awarded a contract to Akhter Computers Ltd, a company based in Harlow, to further develop and test the software before its deployment. This initiative follows growing concerns about the accuracy of age assessments for unaccompanied migrants. Government statistics reveal that over 6,400 individuals claiming to be children underwent age assessments in the year ending March 2026, with 43 percent later determined to be adults.
Official Statement on the Initiative
Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, stated that adults falsely claiming to be children have diverted resources away from those genuinely in need of protection. “That is why we are rolling out AI technology to put a stop to this, ensuring those who game the system are identified, detained and removed without delay,” Norris said, as quoted by the BBC.
Cost and Testing
The project is expected to cost £322,000 over three years. The Home Office reports that early trials of the AI system have shown promising levels of accuracy. Further testing is scheduled before the technology is introduced at UK border points.
