CPB One asylum processing app
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CPB One is a mobile application developed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to help asylum seekers and migrants schedule appointments at ports of entry along the US-Mexico border. The app is designed to streamline the process of requesting asylum and reduce wait times for those seeking to enter the United States.
CPB One enables users to schedule appointments at designated ports of entry, reducing the need for long wait times and improving the overall efficiency of the asylum process. It uses facial recognition technology to collect biometric data from users, which is used to verify their identity and facilitate the asylum process.
Introduced in January 2023, the app also includes an eligibility screening tool that helps users determine whether they are eligible to request asylum in the United States.
CPB One is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish and other languages commonly spoken by asylum seekers.
System 🤖
Website: CPB One 🔗
Developer: Customs and Border Protection (CPB)
Country: USA
Sector: Govt - immigration
Purpose: Process asylum claims
Type: Facial recognition
Technique: Machine learning
Documents 📃
Homeland Security. CPB One Privacy Impact Assessment
Reviews 🗣️
Transparency and accountability 🙈
The CPB One asylum app is seen to have multiple transparency and accountability limitations:
Algorithmic decison-making processes. The app's algorithms and decision-making processes are not transparent, making it difficult for asylum seekers to understand the reasons for delays or denials of their claims.
Data collection and use. The app's data collection and use practices are not clearly explained, raising concerns about data protection and potential misuse.
Eligibility criteria. The app's eligibility criteria and requirements are not clearly communicated, making it difficult for asylum seekers to understand what information is needed to support their claims.
Complaints and appeals. The app does not provide a clear appeals process for asylum seekers who disagree with the outcome of their claim.
Independent oversight. There is no independent oversight mechanism to review the app's decision-making processes and ensure that they are fair and unbiased.
Data storage and retention policies. The app's data storage and retention policies are not clearly explained, raising concerns about data protection and potential misuse.
Security measures. The app's security measures are not clearly explained, raising concerns about the potential for data breaches or unauthorized access.
Regular evaluations. The app is not subject to regular evaluations or audits to ensure that it is functioning fairly and effectively.
Success metrics. The app's success metrics are not clearly defined, making it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness in processing asylum claims.
Risks and harms 🛑
The CPB One app has raised multiple concerns, including racial bias and discrimination, loss of privacy, data misuse, loss of access to due process, increased vulnerability to exploitation, automation bias, and inadequate transparency and accountability.
The many errors and technical issues that have beset the app have been seen to lead to delays, denials, or other adverse outcomes for asylum seekers.
Incidents and issues 🔥
May 2024. US CPB One app offers far too few appointments 🔗
February 2023. US CPB One asylum app fails to register Black people
June 2021. US CPB covertly uses facial recognition to process asylum seekers
Legal, regulatory 👩🏼⚖️
Research, advocacy 🧮
American Immigration Council. CPB One - An Overview
Amnesty (2024). CPB One: A Blessing or a Trap?
Human Rights Watch (2024). “We Couldn’t Wait.” Digital Metering at the US-Mexico Border
Amnesty (2023). Mandatory use of CBP One mobile application violates right to seek asylum
News, commentary, analysis 🗞️
Page info
Type: System
Published: August 2024