The UK Home Office has agreed to stop using an algorithm that helps with visa application decisions. This writes th BBC Tuesday. The algorithm has been accused of “deep-rooted racism.”
Human rights organizations, Joint Council for Immigrant Welfare (JCWI) and Foxglove have taken legal action against the system for taking people’s nationalities into account when evaluating visa applications. Foxglove described the system as a “quick entry point for eggs”.
The system automatically processes the information provided by visa applicants and the color of each applicant – green, orange or red. Foxglove claimed that the Home Office maintains a “confidential list of suspected nationalities.” These nationalities will automatically receive a red rating, which has greatly reduced the chance of getting a visa.
“We have reviewed how the tool works and will redesign our operations to make them more streamlined and safer,” the ministry said in a statement. The ministry was against BBC Do not explain the algorithm because the process is still running.
Starting August 7, the algorithm will no longer be used to assess visa applications. It is expected that a new system will be put into use at the end of the fall.
