# High-Risk AI Systems--Lie Detection Application
## 4 Case Studies and Pilot Programs
### Avatar  
The Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real Time, more commonly referred to as AVATAR [44; 45], is a new artificial intelligence system that researchers at the University of Arizona are developing with financial backing from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. AVATAR is a computer-based kiosk that assists border agents in analyzing physiological and behavioral cues during interviews with travelers to help secure borders. The system will mainly detect potential threats through the identification of indicators of deception or stress that could suggest malignant intentions or fraudulent behavior. AVATAR functions by using a set of questions that pertain directly to the border security policies reflected in the answers of travelers. The system, through advanced sensing technology and algorithms, observes the facial expressions, eye movements, and non-verbal behavior of an individual during the interrogation process. The cues are then analyzed live to test the validity of the responses. The biometric sensors and cameras even capture and measure subtle facial expressions and involuntary physiological movements that normally would not be noticeable to the human naked eye. The technology behind AVATAR uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to continuously improve its accuracy over time. Field trials indicated accuracy rates of 45-60%, with significant variations across demographic groups, raising concerns about algorithmic bias. Stakeholder feedback suggested the need for enhanced transparency and adaptive learning systems to address demographic disparities. By analyzing large databases of past interactions, it sharpens its algorithms for producing better benchmarks for distinguishing common behavioral variations from actual indicators of deception or potential risk. That means AVATAR's performance will improve over time since it will become more intelligent in terms of analyzing different profiles and situations of travelers. However, independent assessments have highlighted some important limitations of the AVATAR system. Laboratory accuracy rates of 60-75% decreased to 45-60% in field trials [44]. Moreover, system performance showed significant variation across different demographic groups, raising concerns about potential biases [46]. One of the most obvious advantages in using AVATAR for border security is that it can operate without a break, without getting tired, and without bringing in biases during the assessment process--the very things that can affect human interrogators during long interrogation sessions. The reliability of this automated system is going to provide consistency in the assessment process for everyone crossing the border, improving both fairness and efficiency. Despite these potential benefits, integration with existing border control processes proved more complex than anticipated, limiting its practical utility in its current form [47]. Moreover, AVATAR acts as a force multiplier for border personnel, enabling them to focus their attention on the cases that require human judgment and intervention, as informed by the initial screening results generated by the system. AVATAR responds to the rising needs of efficient travel screening against the background of increased mobility across the world. Traditional border screening processes are most often encumbered with labor-intensive and resource-burning operations, mostly giving rise to delays characterized by long waiting times. AVATAR helps move travelers quickly as it automates the first step in the assessment process and reduces congestion while preserving standards of security. Efficiency in handling dynamic security challenges has been improved; hence, it plays a very important role in managing heavily trafficked border crossings. However, cost-benefit analyses have suggested the limited practical value of AVATAR in its current form [48], due to high implementation costs and operational challenges.