Smart Lie-Detection System to Tighten EU's Busy Borders

An EU-funded project is developing a way to speed up traffic at the EU's external borders and ramp up security using an automated border-control system that will put travellers to the test using lie-detecting avatars. It is introducing advanced analytics and risk-based management at border controls.

More than 700 million people enter the EU every year - a number that is rapidly rising. The huge volume of travellers and vehicles is piling pressure on external borders, making it increasingly difficult for border staff to uphold strict security protocols - checking the travel documents and biometrics of every passenger - whilst keeping disruption to a minimum.

To help, the EU-funded project IBORDERCTRL is developing an 'intelligent control system' facilitating - making faster - border procedures for bona fide and law-abiding travellers. In this sense, the project is aiming to deliver more efficient and secure land border crossings to facilitate the work of border guards in spotting illegal immigrants, and so contribute to the prevention of crime and terrorism.

'We're employing existing and proven technologies - as well as novel ones - to empower border agents to increase the accuracy and efficiency of border checks,' says project coordinator George Boultadakis of European Dynamics in Luxembourg. 'IBORDERCTRL's system will collect data that will move beyond biometrics and on to biomarkers of deceit.'

Smart 'deception detection'

The IBORDERCTRL system has been set up so that travellers will use an online application to upload pictures of their passport, visa and proof of funds, then use a webcam to answer questions from a computer-animated border guard, personalised to the traveller's gender, ethnicity and language. The unique approach...