Your Undivided Attention

Why Are Migrants Becoming AI Test Subjects? With Petra Molnar

Jun 20, 2024

Petra Molnar discusses how borders have become a testing ground for AI technologies impacting migrants. The podcast explores the use of advanced surveillance measures, the rise of the border industry complex, economic incentives for EU border enforcement, challenges with surveillance tech, and the need for long-term solutions for migrants.

46:19

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Episode guests

Petra Molnar

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Quick takeaways

Governments employ AI to manage refugee crisis at borders, raising ethical concerns.

Border technologies may extend to domestic surveillance, necessitating regulation and ethical considerations.

Long-term solutions and addressing root causes of migration advocated over extensive border technological advancements.

Deep dives

Refugee Crisis Escalating Worldwide

The podcast delves into the increasing wave of refugee migration globally, driven by factors like climate change, political instability, and hunger. These forces are expected to lead to a refugee crisis involving over a billion people. Refugees from diverse countries, including those in Africa, Bangladesh, and India, face perilous journeys, often culminating at closed borders, detention centers, or refugee camps.

Deterrence Fails; Humanity Prevails

01:51

Intro

2min

Border Surveillance Technologies and Immigration Control

13min

Rise of Border Industry and Surveillance Technologies

13min

Economic Incentives for EU Border Enforcement Measures in Fringe Countries

2min

Challenges and Implications of Surveillance Technology at EU Borders

14min

Challenges Faced by Migrants and the Need for Long-Term Solutions

3min

Climate change, political instability, hunger. These are just some of the forces behind an unprecedented refugee crisis that’s expected to include over a billion people by 2050. In response to this growing crisis, wealthy governments like the US and the EU are employing novel AI and surveillance technologies to slow the influx of migrants at their borders. But will this rollout stop at the border?

In this episode, Tristan and Aza sit down with Petra Molnar to discuss how borders have become a proving ground for the sharpest edges of technology, and especially AI. Petra is an immigration lawyer and co-creator of the Migration and Technology Monitor. Her new book is “The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on Twitter: @HumaneTech_

RECOMMENDED MEDIA

The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Petra’s newly published book on the rollout of high risk tech at the border.

Bots at the Gate

A report co-authored by Petra about Canada’s use of AI technology in their immigration process.

Technological Testing Grounds

A report authored by Petra about the use of experimental technology in EU border enforcement.

Startup Pitched Tasing Migrants from Drones, Video Reveals

An article from The Intercept, containing the demo for Brinc’s taser drone pilot program.

The UNHCR

Information about the global refugee crisis from the UN.