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.”

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.

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Can We Govern AI? With Marietje Schaake

CLARIFICATION:

The iBorderCtrl project referenced in this episode was a pilot project that was discontinued in 2019