AI Age-Detection Tool Risks Misclassifying Child Refugees as Adults, Charity Warns
The British government's plan to implement AI-powered facial age-estimation technology for screening migrants has raised concerns among rights groups. Critics argue that the technology, developed by Cognitec, may misclassify child refugees, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, as adults due to inherent biases. The Helen Bamber Foundation reported that 755 children were incorrectly identified as adults in 2025. The technology's potential 30-month margin of error poses significant risks, as misclassified children could face adult detention and removal processes. Rights groups emphasize the ethical implications of using such technology, likening it to discredited pseudosciences and highlighting the impact of trauma on children's appearances. 
