August 11, 2026, 11:58 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Artificial intelligence is set to assist authorities in asylum and residency procedures in the future. A new draft law permits the use and training of AI with data from previous cases–a move that privacy advocates and experts view critically.
AI Gains Access to Previous Cases
At the end of July, the federal cabinet approved a draft law aimed at significantly expanding the use of artificial intelligence in migration management. According to the proposal, authorities could develop AI systems and train them with data from already concluded cases. This would enable programs to analyze applications and information from individuals more quickly and compare them with previous cases.
Currently, AI is used in this area only sporadically. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) already uses an AI-supported assistance system that searches asylum hearing protocols for security-relevant clues. Under the federal government’s plans, immigration authorities, the Federal Administrative Office, the Federal Police, and state police authorities could also use personal data to train such systems in the future.
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AI to Verify Information on the Internet
The planned systems could not only evaluate previous procedures and decision patterns. Under certain conditions, they should also be able to cross-check applicants’ information with publicly available data from the internet. The goal is to support authorities in handling complex procedures and to identify potential irregularities more quickly.
Critics, however, fear that errors in asylum procedures could have serious consequences. AlgorithmWatch warns of error-prone technology that plays a role in determining people’s fates. Particularly sensitive information about escape, personal experiences, or traumatic events could also be processed.
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Experts Warn of Incorrect Decisions
Pro Asyl also sees risks: There could be a lack of transparency, affected individuals might be disadvantaged, and it could become more difficult for them to contest decisions. The Society for Informatics also warns of incorrect AI results and the possibility that authorities’ staff might place too much trust in automated recommendations.
The Interior Ministry, on the other hand, emphasizes that the final decision should still rest with humans. AI is only meant to support the authorities. Additionally, the law aims to create a legally secure and data protection-compliant framework. However, before the new rules can take effect, both the Bundestag and Bundesrat must approve them. Therefore, when the law will actually come into force remains uncertain.