South Africa wants to use machine learning to screen travellers for fraud

For thousands of ordinary South Africans, the scourge of undocumented migration and weak border enforcement has been a constant source of concern. They live in fear of their safety and jobs being threatened by those who enter the country without proper clearance. The recent wave of anti-immigration protests, some of which have turned violent, has only heightened the sense of urgency. Now, President Cyril Ramaphosa's launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system at OR Tambo International Airport, with its reliance on machine learning and biometrics, has many wondering if this is the dawn of a new era in border control.

The ETA combines advanced biometric verification, machine learning, and the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (eMCS 2.0) as part of a modern digital immigration ecosystem that strengthens border security while making travel to South Africa faster, simpler, and more secure for legitimate travellers. With the system already processing over 203,000 applications since May, and more than 5,500 fraudulent applications rejected, including fraudulent passports, manipulated documents, and other indicators of fraud detected through machine learning, it's clear that the technology is not just about speed and efficiency.

At the heart of the ETA is machine learning, which checks 40 parameters to establish whether a passport is authentic. The technology also uses liveness detection to compare an applicant's selfie with their passport photograph. For aviation, the immediate promise is faster movement through airports, something that Johannesburg-based aviation analyst Guy Leitch describes as "long overdue for Africa." Automated passport control has been used at European ports of entry for years, and Leitch sees this as a step in the right direction.

While the ETA is designed for travellers using formal ports of entry, it's clear that it won't address the problem of people who bypass these entry points entirely. As Leitch pointed out, "They are crossing rivers. They're crossing through the bush." This distinction is crucial, and it's essential to separate the ETA's promise of faster and more secure travel from the broader immigration problem. South Africa's anti-immigration protests have been fuelled by anger over undocumented migration, porous borders, and weak enforcement. While the ETA is a step in the right direction, it's unlikely to solve these underlying issues on its own.

Despite the ETA's promise, it's essential to approach this technology with a critical eye. As Guy Leitch cautioned, "I would be reluctant to draw any strong connection between this and it being a solution to immigration problems." The ETA's reliance on biometrics and machine learning raises important questions about data protection and the potential for abuse. With the BMA using facial recognition to verify travellers' identities and visas, there's a risk that sensitive information could be compromised. It's essential that the South African government is transparent about how this data will be used and protected.

In the short term, the ETA promises to speed up movement through airports, making it easier for legitimate travellers to enter the country. However, in the long term, it's unlikely to be a solution to the broader immigration problem. Instead, it's a step towards a more modern and secure border control system. As South Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of undocumented migration, it's essential that the government takes a nuanced approach, acknowledging both the benefits and limitations of technology like the ETA. With its launch, South Africa is taking a forward-looking move that could benefit from a careful evaluation of its potential impact.

The launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system is a significant step towards a more modern and secure border control system in South Africa. But as the country continues to grapple with the challenges of undocumented migration, it's essential that the government acknowledges both the benefits and limitations of this technology.