Lost in AI translation: growing reliance on language apps jeopardizes some asylum applications

Reliance on AI translation tools like Google Translate is jeopardizing asylum applications, as these tools often fail to accurately translate regional dialects and accents.
Many asylum seekers are left without access to human interpreters and have to rely on flawed AI translation. This leads to inaccuracies and rejections.
Problems occur throughout the asylum process, from border stations to courts. Applications are denied over small translation discrepancies.
AI translation tools reflect biases and gaps in training data. Many languages like Dari and Swahili lack comprehensive digital sources compared to English.
Without cultural context, AI tools prioritize a Western worldview. Human interpreters provide nuance and empathy that technology lacks.

theguardian.com

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Posted 9/7/2023, 10:00:00 AM