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Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Migration and Mobility: Transnational Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Marie McAuliffe

    (International Organization for Migration, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia)

  • Jenna Blower

    (Department of Social Anthropology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Ana Beduschi

    (Law School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK)

Abstract

Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in migration and mobility have incrementally expanded over recent years. Iterative approaches to AI deployment experienced a surge during 2020 and into 2021, largely due to COVID-19 forcing greater reliance on advanced digital technology to monitor, inform and respond to the pandemic. This paper critically examines the implications of intensifying digitalization and AI for migration and mobility systems for a post-COVID transnational context. First, it situates digitalization and AI in migration by analyzing its uptake throughout the Migration Cycle. Second, the article evaluates the current challenges and, opportunities to migrants and migration systems brought about by deepening digitalization due to COVID-19, finding that while these expanding technologies can bolster human rights and support international development, potential gains can and are being eroded because of design, development and implementation aspects. Through a critical review of available literature on the subject, this paper argues that recent changes brought about by COVID-19 highlight that computational advances need to incorporate human rights throughout design and development stages, extending well beyond technical feasibility. This also extends beyond tech company references to inclusivity and transparency and requires analysis of systemic risks to migration and mobility regimes arising from advances in AI and related technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie McAuliffe & Jenna Blower & Ana Beduschi, 2021. "Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Migration and Mobility: Transnational Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:11:y:2021:i:4:p:135-:d:675721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James Zou & Londa Schiebinger, 2018. "AI can be sexist and racist — it’s time to make it fair," Nature, Nature, vol. 559(7714), pages 324-326, July.
    2. Cristina Mitaritonna & Lionel Ragot, 2020. "After Covid-19, will seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Europe be replaced by robots?," CEPII Policy Brief 2020-33, CEPII research center.
    3. Ernst Ekkehardt & Merola Rossana & Samaan Daniel, 2019. "Economics of Artificial Intelligence: Implications for the Future of Work," IZA Journal of Labor Policy, Sciendo & Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit GmbH (IZA), vol. 9(1), pages 1-35, June.
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    2. Austin Kocher, 2023. "Glitches in the Digitization of Asylum: How CBP One Turns Migrants’ Smartphones into Mobile Borders," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Sandro Serpa & Carlos Miguel Ferreira, 2022. "Challenges of Post-COVID-19 for a Sustainably Developed Society," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-4, April.

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