Behind BAG-INTEL’s advanced AI system for customs control lies an equally advanced sense of responsibility. Leading that effort is Dr. Javier Valls Prieto of University of Granada whose ethical guidance ensures that the BAG-INTEL system does not only help to protect Europe’s borders but also upholds European values. “When we talk about the future of border security, the conversation often centers on the power of technology,” says Javier. “But for us at BAG-INTEL, the human impact is just as important a factor,” he adds. His work, as the project’s dedicated Ethics Expert, focuses on ensuring that the BAG-INTEL system is not only effective, but also responsible, fair, and respectful of human rights so that it can be trusted by customs professionals, authorities, and the public alike.
Navigating BAG-INTEL’s ethical complexity
Although BAG-INTEL doesn’t involve animal testing or medical trials, the project’s ethical landscape is complex. It involves processing images and data recorded in real airports, using real drugs for trial purposes, and testing in live operational environments. For Javier this means constant vigilance and close collaboration with various project partners including end users and authorities to ensure every activity meets the highest ethical and legal standards. “During our trials and demonstrations, we simulate real-life scenarios in real airport environments so there’s always a chance that images of real travelers are captured in the process,” he explains. “My role is to make sure the project anticipates such possibilities, protects personal data, and respects everyone’s rights.”
Building trustworthy AI
Javier is particularly passionate about ensuring that BAG-INTEL’s system is trustworthy and human-centric — two cornerstones of the European approach to AI. He references the EU’s seven principles for trustworthy AI, which include human oversight, transparency, and accountability. “We have designed all prototypes so that humans are always in control,” he emphasizes. The BAG-INTEL system will make suggestions to custom officers, but the final decision will always be in the hands of a human. A customs control officer will have the final say on whether to accept or reject the system’s recommendation. This human-in-the-loop approach ensures the system acts as a tool to empower officers, not replace their judgment.
A broader legacy of ethical AI
While the EU AI Act has an exception for security-related AI, Javier and his team are not letting that be a loophole. Instead, they are using this opportunity to develop new ethical guidelines and training materials. These resources will benefit not just BAG-INTEL, but also future projects at the intersection of AI and security.
Javier’s role is a vital reminder that impactful innovation is about more than just technology. It’s about building solutions that are not only intelligent but also responsible, ethical, and designed to serve all of us. His work is a powerful testament to the project’s commitment to making Europe safer while upholding fundamental human rights.
The human side of impact
A typical day for Javier involves reviewing protocols, advising partners, and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR. But at the heart of his work is something less technical — and more human. “Behind every scan, every algorithm, there’s a person — a traveler, a customs officer, a developer. My job is to make sure they are all respected,” he reflects.As BAG-INTEL moves forward, his guidance ensures that its innovations are not only intelligent but also responsible. “Technology can only be truly powerful when people trust it,” he says. “That’s the difference I want to make — helping build trust. These days, whenever I go through a control, I look out for our consortium partner’s equipment. I can’t help but see those scanners through a different lens now!”