Pentagon seeks $30 million for AI‑powered lie detector

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is requesting $30.3 million over five years to build "Polygraph+," MIT Technology Review reported. The system pairs AI-driven scoring with camera-based sensors that track facial temperature, head movement, heart rate and breathing without touching the subject. The budget still needs Congressional approval.

Researchers were skeptical. One expert told the magazine the approach combines "the worst of both worlds," layering algorithmic uncertainty on top of a technology that already lacks scientific validity. Another said "there is still no Pinocchio's nose" — no physiological signal reliably marks a lie, whatever sensors are used to measure it.

Academics cited by MIT Technology Review said traditional polygraphs are prone to subjective interpretation and racial bias, and that subjects can learn countermeasures to beat them. Some critics argued the program functions mainly as psychological intimidation rather than as a genuine information-gathering tool.

Previous attempts at automated deception detection, including projects called Silent Talker and iBorderCtrl, were shelved after failing to hold up, according to the report. It did not say when Congress might act on the Polygraph+ request or when DCSA hopes to begin testing it.