AI tool will lead to more child refugees being treated as adults, charity warns

The Guardian (UK)IndependentProgressive7 hr. ago

A UK-based charity has warned that the introduction of AI-powered age-detection systems by the British government could result in more child refugees being treated as adults, increasing their exposure to harsh treatment. Critics argue that flawed and racially biased AI models may misidentify children, particularly those from Africa, leading to incorrect placement in adult systems where they face detention and removal. The Helen Bamber Foundation reported that 755 children were wrongly classified as adults in 2025, while investigations by Lighthouse Reports and UK-based tech monitor Foxglove highlighted systemic biases in the technology. The Refugee and Migrant Children’s Consortium expressed concerns about the impact of trauma on children's appearances, which could affect accurate age assessments. The government defends the move as a step toward improving consistency and border security.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a serious human rights concern, emphasizing the risks posed by biased AI systems and highlighting the potential harm to vulnerable children. It presents criticism from left-leaning organizations and activists, focusing on systemic racism and the ethical implications.