Background:

The Czech police is currently testing devices that can translate speech in real time. The Ministry of Interior is currently looking into the possibility of using these devices during the asylum procedure, especially during the interviews. It launched an ad hoc query to find out if other Member States use such devices and if so how legislation regulates their use, which authority authorizes their use and certifies their reliability, and if applicants for international protection are invited to verify and agree on the report of the interview.

Respondents:

22 Member States, including Belgium, provided an answer to the ad hoc query.

Findings:

No State uses a real-time speech-translating device in the asylum procedure.

No State seems to have plans to introduce such devices in the asylum procedure.

Therefore no information could be collected on applicable legislation, competent authorities, or verification modalities implemented in this context.