On November 20, the I-SEAMORE project took part in a significant workshop focused on the Ethical and Societal Implications of Security Technologies in Border Management. This workshop was organised as part of a joint effort by the synergy projects I-SEAMORE, ODYSSEUS, FLEXI-cross, and BAG-INTEL, bringing together over 60 participants (NGOs & CSOs representatives, technology developers, ethics experts, human rights experts, industry representatives, public authorities, security and border management experts, researchers, law enforcement agencies) from across Europe to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing use of border security technologies.
The workshop aimed to explore the ethical and societal considerations in applying technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) at borders, with a particular focus on the implications of the AI Act, privacy concerns, and the broader ethical challenges posed by these advancements. It also provided a platform for collaboration, fostering dialogue between various stakeholders to propose solutions for aligning border management practices with societal values.
I-SEAMORE’s contribution to the workshop centered on public trust and inclusivity in the context of maritime border technologies. As part of the conversation, the project emphasized the importance of engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that security solutions are developed with human rights and societal concerns in mind. By involving citizens and communities in the development of these technologies, I-SEAMORE advocates for rights-oriented approaches that prioritize transparency and inclusivity.
The workshop also featured presentations from other synergy projects, which contributed valuable insights into the evolving landscape of border security:
- ODYSSEUS explored the implications of the AI Act and its potential for fostering responsible innovation and compliance.
- BAG-INTEL addressed the ethical challenges posed by AI in baggage screening, providing tailored strategies to improve fairness and transparency.
- FLEXI-cross shared risk assessment and mitigation strategies for border-check tools, ensuring that the balance between operational effectiveness and travelers’ fundamental rights is maintained.
One of the highlights of the event was the interactive breakout sessions, which provided an opportunity to delve deeper into key challenges in the legal, societal, and operational realms. Some of the key takeaways from these discussions included:
- Legal Frameworks: Participants pointed to challenges with overlapping regulations, such as the GDPR and the delayed implementation of the AI Act. Proposed solutions included the development of clear operational protocols and user guidelines.
- Societal Concerns: A major theme was citizen engagement, with a focus on addressing stereotypes about technology and ensuring a balance between security and privacy. Solutions included fostering inclusive dialogue and creating tailored communication strategies.
- Operational Integration: Challenges in this area involved balancing privacy preservation with data usability, ensuring fairness, and providing ethical training for end-users. Key solutions discussed included improving transparency and building trust through stakeholder participation.
This workshop represents a significant step forward in the ethical deployment of technologies in border management. Moving forward, the I-SEAMORE project, along with its synergy partners, will continue to engage with stakeholders across Europe to explore emerging challenges and collaborate on solutions that align technological advancements with ethical standards and societal values.
Watch the Workshop in full via the video below ⬇️
