7amleh, an Arab centre for social media, studied how European rules on artificial intelligence work after technology leaves the EU. The research finds three main channels for funds and tech: migration control, research funding, and direct exports.
In 2023 and 2024 the EU signed agreements with several governments that tied aid to migration cooperation. The research says biometric ID systems, screening tools, smart gates and surveillance equipment were transferred. Grants and investments also supported companies whose technologies can be used for military or surveillance purposes. The report calls for extending the AI Act and stronger human rights checks before export or agreement.
Difficult words
- migration — movement of people between countries
- biometric — use of body features for identity
- surveillance — watching people or places for security
- export — to send goods or technology abroadexports
- grant — money given to support a projectGrants
- agreement — a formal arrangement between two or more partiesagreements
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Discussion questions
- Do you think human rights checks are important before technology is exported? Why or why not?
- Have you seen or used biometric ID systems (for example fingerprint or face ID) in your country? Describe briefly.
- Why might a government tie aid to migration cooperation? Give one reason.
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