The UK government has announced plans to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) age estimation system at its borders from 2027, aimed at identifying adult migrants who may be falsely claiming to be children.
The system will use facial analysis technology to estimate a person’s age based on photographs taken at entry points.
Officials say the tool will improve accuracy in immigration processing and help protect vulnerable children in the asylum system.
AI Age Detection System to Support Border Control
The Home Office said early testing of the technology showed “promising performance and accuracy,” adding that it could help detect individuals attempting to “game the system.”
A UK-based technology firm has been awarded a contract worth £322,000 to further develop and test the system over the next three years.
If successful, the AI tool is expected to be rolled out in mid-2027.
Concerns Over Accuracy and Human Rights
Despite government support, the plan has triggered criticism from human rights groups and professionals in the social care sector.
Human Rights Watch described the system as “unproven technology,” warning that it could lead to serious mistakes in identifying vulnerable children.
The British Association of Social Workers also argued that age assessment should remain in the hands of trained professionals, not artificial intelligence systems.
Background: Rising Migration Cases
According to Home Office data, over 111,000 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year ending June 2025.
In the same period, thousands of migrants claiming to be children were assessed at the border, with nearly half later found to be adults.
Officials say this has increased pressure on the asylum system and prompted the need for improved verification methods.
Government Defends AI Plan
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said the system is necessary to prevent abuse of the immigration process.
He stated that individuals making false age claims “divert support away from children who need protection.”
