This chapter presents an ethical analysis of the challenges raised by the European AI Act regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of migration management. First, we will lay the groundwork for our analysis by positing a reflection on the securitarian discourse that increasingly permeates contemporary narratives on migration. Then we will discuss the recent New Pact on Migration and Asylum, and argue that, despite being presented as a ‘fresh start’, it continues to reproduce securitarian logics: in particular, we will show that these logics, grounded in ideas of efficiency and in the alleged neutrality and objectivity of technology, legitimize the use of AI systems, often at the expenses of adequate protection of human rights. To support our argument, we will discuss relevant European technological experimental projects that have raised serious concerns among both academics and civil society organisations for their insufficient protection of the fundamental rights of migrants. Finally, we will focus on the AI Act and uncover some of its main grey areas in the field of migration management, where it fails to provide sufficient safeguards for migrants’ rights and allows exemptions for technologies otherwise prohibited in other contexts.
AI and migration challenges in the EU: an ethical analysis of the AI Act
B. Giovanola;L. Conte
2026-01-01
Abstract
This chapter presents an ethical analysis of the challenges raised by the European AI Act regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of migration management. First, we will lay the groundwork for our analysis by positing a reflection on the securitarian discourse that increasingly permeates contemporary narratives on migration. Then we will discuss the recent New Pact on Migration and Asylum, and argue that, despite being presented as a ‘fresh start’, it continues to reproduce securitarian logics: in particular, we will show that these logics, grounded in ideas of efficiency and in the alleged neutrality and objectivity of technology, legitimize the use of AI systems, often at the expenses of adequate protection of human rights. To support our argument, we will discuss relevant European technological experimental projects that have raised serious concerns among both academics and civil society organisations for their insufficient protection of the fundamental rights of migrants. Finally, we will focus on the AI Act and uncover some of its main grey areas in the field of migration management, where it fails to provide sufficient safeguards for migrants’ rights and allows exemptions for technologies otherwise prohibited in other contexts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
