VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Migrants: Age Assurance

Asked by Sir John HayesConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 18966

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department uses AI to help verify the age of migrants that arrive in the UK.

Answered by Home Office

The Home Office has recently announced that the procurement process for a Facial Age Estimation (FAE) algorithm has concluded, and a new contract has been awarded to Akhter Computers Ltd, with Cognitec as sub-contractor.  Our current intention is to begin using the technology, which harnesses the power of AI, during initial age decisions at the border, and to provide capabilities to the National Age Assessment Board and Local Authorities to access FAE results.

The Department is planning a series of trials and testing throughout 2026. Subject to the results of the testing, FAE is planned to be implemented from 2027.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim