This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the 10,457 deaths recorded in the previous year. However, activists cautioned that the decline does not necessarily indicate improved conditions for migrants. Instead, they argue that tighter border controls are forcing individuals to undertake more perilous routes.

Helena Maleno, the NGO's research coordinator, attributed the shift to increased border policing, particularly in Mauritania. In 2024, Mauritania signed a 210 million euro migration deal with the European Union, leading to stricter enforcement along its coast.

The EU's deployment of AI-driven surveillance technologies along migration routes has also played a role. These systems, often employing machine learning algorithms, analyze satellite imagery, drone footage, and social media data to detect and intercept migrant vessels. While proponents argue that AI enhances border security and prevents illegal crossings, critics raise concerns about the ethical implications of using AI to monitor and control human movement.

One key concern is the potential for algorithmic bias. Machine learning models are trained on data, and if that data reflects existing societal biases, the AI system may perpetuate or even amplify those biases in its decision-making. For example, if an AI system is trained primarily on data of migrants from a specific region, it may be more likely to flag individuals from that region as potential security threats, regardless of their actual intentions.

Another concern is the lack of transparency and accountability in AI-driven border control systems. The algorithms used are often proprietary, making it difficult to understand how they work and to challenge their decisions. This lack of transparency can erode public trust and make it harder to ensure that these systems are used fairly and ethically.

The increased reliance on AI in border control also raises questions about data privacy and security. The vast amounts of data collected by these systems, including biometric data and personal information, are vulnerable to hacking and misuse. There is a risk that this data could be used to track and target migrants, or to discriminate against them in other ways.

The situation highlights a complex interplay between technological advancements, geopolitical agreements, and human rights. While tighter border controls may reduce the number of successful crossings, they can also push migrants towards more dangerous routes, increasing the risk of death. The use of AI in border control raises ethical questions about algorithmic bias, transparency, and data privacy. The long-term implications of these developments for migration patterns and human rights remain to be seen.