UK to roll out AI facial recognition at borders/Representative image

The UK government is moving ahead with plans to introduce artificial intelligence technology at the border to help identify asylum seekers who falsely claim to be children.The system, which is expected to be launched in 2027, will estimate a person’s age by analyzing facial photographs taken during immigration checks. Officials say the technology is intended to support existing age assessment processes and improve identification of adults claiming to be minors, the BBC reports.The Home Office has awarded a contract to Harlow-based company Akhtar Computers Ltd to further develop and test the software before deployment.The move follows concerns over the accuracy of age assessment for unaccompanied migrants. Government data shows that more than 6,400 persons claiming to be children underwent age assessment in the year ending March 2026, of whom 43 per cent were later declared adults.Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Protection and Asylum, said adults falsely claiming to be children diverted resources away from those who truly needed protection.“That’s why we’re implementing AI technology to crack down on this, to ensure that people gaming the system are identified, detained and removed without delay,” Norris was quoted as saying by the BBC.The project is expected to cost £322,000 over three years.The Home Office says early trials of the AI ​​system have shown promising levels of accuracy, with further trials scheduled before the technology is introduced at UK border points.