Bureau of Immigration to look into using AI in ops

The Bureau of Immigration said it will explore the use of artificial intelligence in its operations.

Photo from BI

An additional layer of security through AI?

The BI said in a statement that its commissioner Norman Tansingco announced the possible use of AI in the agency’s operations during a biometrics conference in Montreal, Canada on September 27.

He said that he saw how AI can improve immigration processing by adding a layer of security. The official noted this can be used to detect impostors and falsified documents.

"Naglalakad palang sila, makikita na ng AI kung may suspicious documents or activities sila," said Tansingco.

AI technology is expected to feature facial recognition and document matching.

Tansingco clarified that AI will not replace immigration officers as the technology will only unburden BI personnel of manual processing to maximize manpower.

Tansingco said technological advancements, like the expansion of the BI's e-gates, will significantly improve the bureau's operations.

Specifically on e-gates, he also pointed out that given the limited space in Philippine airports, using more of such technology will shorten queueing time.

If you notice, immigration areas of other countries are massive, hence they are able to place more personnel or gates. Here, we have limited space, so we need these technologies to make things faster, he explained.

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Source: Bureau of Immigration