The European Union has consistently aimed to tighten its borders. As part of the EU’s forthcoming border control schemes, the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), the EU is considering incorporating an AI lie detector at borders to assist in assessing migrants during visa applications, at airports, and ferry ports. This software analyzes facial movements and body gestures to flag suspicious behaviour for immigration officers.

This measure targets non-EU visitors, in addition to requiring them to submit their biometric data. ETIAS is expected to be operational by 2025, while EES is anticipated to be functional by October 6, 2024. Information indicates that the border control project began as early as 2016 and continued until 2019. The Trespass Consortium received EU funding to initiate the process, which they completed in 2018.

The European Entry-Exit System (EES) includes a pre-registration mobile app designed to reduce queues at border crossings. However, the app is not yet ready and may not be operational by the proposed date of August 6. This delay is not the first postponement for the EES app.
Politicians across Europe have expressed concerns about the EES, particularly regarding its impact on British tourists. They worry the scheme may cause public disorder, irrational visa rejections, and difficulties for immigration officers at the borders.

The use of the AI lie detector has faced heavy criticism, particularly because individuals with anxious personalities might be misjudged due to the AI’s focus on facial movements. The accuracy of AI in detecting emotions through facial movements is highly questionable.

While it is true that increasing border conflicts and illicit activities necessitate advanced technologies for border monitoring and screening, the EU must adjust its border control measures, especially those likely to cause public disorder, such as the lie detector scheme and EES for tourists. Stricter border control measures might enhance security, but they could also deter migrants and tourists.