Estonia warns AI-enhanced ID photos could get documents cancelled

Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) reports receiving an increasing number of photographs submitted for personal identity documents that have been processed using artificial intelligence tools or smartphone beauty filters. Hannes Lember, a development expert with the PPA's documents and permits group, told the outlet "Geenius" about the trend.

According to Lember, submitting such altered photographs is becoming a growing problem, although the state does not currently keep precise statistics on how many such cases occur. Even so, experts have observed a clear upward trend recently.

Possible consequences

A PPA representative warned that the agency is prepared to take action against people who submit enhanced or AI-altered photos — documents issued using such images can be annulled, and the people responsible may face penalties.

However, the expert noted that an even more serious problem can arise when travelling abroad. Many countries use automated border control systems that compare the face shown in a document with the actual person present. If the difference between an artificially "enhanced" photo and a person's real appearance is too great, the system may immediately detect the mismatch, causing problems when crossing the border.