EU report: Border crossing technology risks fundamental rights

The increasing use of technology at border crossings poses a risk to people’s fundamental rights, according to a new EU report.

Michael O’Flaherty, director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), said the risks are “rarely examined in detail” and require “close attention to ensure the rights set out in the EU’s Fundamental Rights Charter are upheld”.

The FRA’s new report, Under watchful eyes – biometrics, EU IT-systems and fundamental rights, explores the impact of IT systems which are increasingly being used for migration and security.

It notes that around half of European border and visa officials interviewed acknowledged data entry mistakes in their IT systems, showing the need for the EU and its member states to strengthen quality assurance and enabling people to correct inaccuracies.

The report also highlights the danger of data being hacked, misused by oppressive regimes or stigmatising children into adulthood.

However, the report also identifies instances where advanced technology has been a force for good, noting that nearly a third of border guards had come across children flagged as missing, showing how IT systems can help trace missing and trafficked children.

IT systems can also provide information about people who arrive without travel document if they are already in the system, to ensure that people are not unlawfully refused access, the report said.