Border Crossing Animated Video
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Senior (55+)Accents
British (General)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
because more people are migrating to and within the OSC region, countries are using high tech border management technology more and more to collect data. This includes biometric data. Countries justify its use to secure national borders. Many of the people wishing to cross borders are fleeing wars or conflict or persecution in their home countries. Imagine you have fled your country in fear of your life. After a dangerous journey, you arrive in safety. You're asked to stare at a computer as it takes your personal data. The data collected is automatically analysed to find patterns that are then used to make assumptions about the people crossing the border. Lie detectors are an example of the technology used to assess whether migrants are lying or telling the truth based on their voice and face patterns. Other technologies predict their behaviour based on algorithms, which may lead to unjustified and discriminatory suspicions. Migrants often don't know what this data is being used for, and no one tells them they also don't know whom it might be shared with, and they don't have the option of a legal appeal to challenge the information collected on them. They're vulnerable. Situation makes it even more difficult. If they refuse to have their data collected, they may be mistreated or kept in detention for longer. Their data may be combined into a huge database and shared amongst countries or institutions. Unfortunately, the data can be hacked and then sold to countries where the migrants may be at risk. If such countries make use of surveillance technologies, it will be even more dangerous for the migrants if they are returned. Governments are increasing budgets for border management technology contracts, but human rights safeguards and oversight mechanisms rarely exist to ensure that technology is fair, that it does not discriminated borders and never puts peoples' lives at risk. This is particularly important in the case of refugees who may be returned to the country they fled because of decisions based on border management technology. This violates international law. This could expose them to ill treatment, torture or even death. The impact of technologies at borders affects all people, but those most at risk are these migrants and refugees. All OSC countries should ensure that they conduct human rights in packed assessments, including discrimination testing if they are using machines to help manage their borders. This includes passing new laws to protect people against potential human rights violations to regulate technologies used at borders. To find out more visit O. D I. H. R s website.