Lie-detectors at the border

Trials began in Hungary, Latvia and Greece last week of a scheme which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) lie-detector systems to scan potentially suspect travellers coming from outside the EU.

The iBorderCtrl system, funded by the EU, was put in place on Thursday at four crossing points with the aim of facilitating faster border crossings for travellers while weeding out potential criminals or illegal crossings.

The €5m pilot project involves those using the system uploading passports and an online application form before being assessed by the virtual, retina-scanning border agent.

New Scientist magazine said travellers had simply to stare into a camera and answer the same questions one would expect a diligent human border agent to ask, such as “What’s in your suitcase?” and “If you show me what is inside, will it confirm your answers are true?”

Unlike a human border guard, however, the AI system analyses minute micro-gestures in travellers’ facial expressions, searching for indications they might be lying

If satisfied, iBorderCtrl then “rewards” the travellers with a QR code that allows them safe passage into the EU. If the system is not satisfied, travellers are asked to go through additional biometric screening such as facial matching.

Officials say like all infant AI technologies, the system is still experimental and with a current success rate of 76% will not prevent anyone crossing the border during its six-month trial.

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