Petra Molnar - Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In this episode, host Lauren Hawker Zafer welcomes Petra Molnar, an accomplished lawyer and anthropologist with a profound dedication to human rights, particularly in the context of migration. With a rich background diverse from classical music to law, Petra has spent years advocating for migrant justice and exploring the intersection of technology and human rights.

Petra shares her personal migration journey, explaining how her early experiences, coupled with her passion for social justice, have motivated her to work within the realms of human rights law and anthropology. Her transition from classical music to migration advocacy highlights a winding path shaped by her evolving desire to fight for social justice.

A significant theme throughout the discussion is the role of technology in migration, with Petra emphasizing how it can exacerbate existing power inequalities. She critiques the application of algorithmic decision-making in immigration, arguing that technology often amplifies biases rather than reducing them. Moreover, she expresses concerns about treating individuals as mere data points rather than as complex human beings.

Throughout the conversation, Petra discusses the dehumanizing effect of immigration processes and technologies on migrants. She underscores that many people are reduced to mere metrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition scans, highlighting a troubling trend in which powerful actors prioritize efficacy over humanity.

Petra advocates for urgent regulatory changes regarding the use of technology in migration. She identifies the need for 'red lines' around specific uses of AI and technology in border control, calling for a moratorium on certain technologies until a reassessment can be made. She emphasizes the importance of thoroughly scrutinizing these technologies, especially in terms of their impacts on vulnerable populations.

The episode concludes with a powerful call to amplify the voices of the communities affected by these technologies. Petra highlights the work already done through the Migration and Technology Monitor, and the importance of re-centering human experiences in discussions about technology and migration. The conversation encourages listeners to develop empathy by understanding the lived realities of those traversing borders.