UK to use facial scanning for age checks on asylum seekers despite known flaws

The UK government plans to introduce facial age estimation technology to determine the age of asylum seekers arriving at its borders, starting next year. This move marks the first time such a system will be used for this purpose. Asylum seekers often lack documents proving their age, and incorrect classification as adults can lead to loss of legal protections and placement in adult-only detention centers.

An investigation by WIRED and Lighthouse Reports, in collaboration with The Independent, obtained an internal UK government report detailing tests of facial age estimation (FAE) technologies. The report reveals that these systems frequently mistake children for adults and exhibit serious bias problems. This is particularly concerning given that the largest group of migrants subject to age assessments in 2025, according to Home Office data, will be impacted by these flawed systems.

The use of FAE technology in high-stakes scenarios like asylum seeker age assessments raises significant questions about its effectiveness and suitability. As the UK prepares to deploy this technology, concerns about its reliability and potential for harm to vulnerable individuals are growing. The British government is set to become the first to use facial age estimation in this way, sparking debate over the ethics and practicality of relying on flawed technology to make life-altering decisions.

Why this matters: The UK's decision to deploy facial age estimation technology for asylum seeker age checks has far-reaching implications. If the technology fails to accurately determine ages, vulnerable individuals may be denied necessary protections and face detention in adult facilities. This raises concerns about the UK's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of asylum seekers.

Furthermore, the use of flawed technology in high-stakes scenarios sets a worrying precedent for other governments and industries. As AI-powered age verification becomes increasingly prevalent, it is crucial to address the issues of bias, accuracy, and accountability to ensure that these systems do not perpetuate harm or injustice. The effectiveness and ethics of FAE technology will be closely watched, with implications for developers, businesses, and consumers alike.