Border Technology
How biometrics, surveillance systems, AI, and physical barriers are transforming border control, and the human rights implications of the new border technology.
The Rise of Smart Borders
Border control is being transformed by technology. Biometric identification systems, including fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning, are now standard at many border crossings. The EU's Entry/Exit System will create a database of all non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area. The US Customs and Border Protection uses facial recognition for departure verification at airports. India's Aadhaar biometric system is the world's largest biometric database.
Surveillance technology has expanded dramatically. The US border with Mexico uses a combination of cameras, sensors, drones, and radar systems. The EU funds Frontex, its border and coast guard agency, to conduct aerial surveillance of the Mediterranean. Israel's border barriers use advanced detection and response systems. AI-powered predictive analytics are being used to identify 'high-risk' travelers and predict migration flows.