TSA Facial Recognition Technology Deployed at 84 Airports, Raising Privacy Concerns
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently deployed a new facial recognition technology at 84 airports across the United States, with plans to expand it to 400 airports over the next few years. The technology, which is part of the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), uses a camera to take photos of passengers in real-time, matching their face to their ID shown to TSA officers.
According to the TSA, this technology is “key” to identifying passengers in the security-screening process, enhancing detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint. “This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification,” Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said in a press release, as reported by Security Info Watch. “We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are.”
The TSA claims that it does not store the photos taken during facial recognition scans to prove identity. “Under normal operating conditions TSA facial recognition technology deletes traveler data and images immediately after your identity is verified, the TSA noted on its website. If you use TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution, your information is deleted 24 hours after your scheduled departure time.” However, the agency noted that there are some instances where TSA will save the photos and data to test the accuracy of the facial recognition technology, but claims that passengers will be notified. As Security Info Watch reported, there are concerns that the data may be held for longer than the few seconds it takes to verify someone’s identity and used for other purposes they did not agree to, like surveillance and tracking, according to critics of the technology.
Travelers have the option to opt out of the TSA’s facial recognition scans. “Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition technology process may decline the optional photo, without recourse, in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial recognition technology to verify their identity,” according to the TSA, as quoted by Security Info Watch. Travis LeBlanc, a lawyer and a former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, told HuffPost that you “don’t have to submit your picture to the government for the government to scan it and store it under their rules.” However, critics of the TSA’s facial recognition scans say signage stating this option is not always clearly visible.
If a traveler decides to opt out, the TSA says that there will be no consequences and that the process will not take longer. “This action will not take longer and travelers will not lose their place in line for security screening,” the TSA says. In fact, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) opted out of the face scan and experienced no apparent delays getting on his flight in 2023, according to The Washington Post, despite a TSA agent telling him he would face significant delays.
The deployment of the TSA’s facial recognition technology has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of the data collected. As Security Info Watch reported, the technology has sparked debate about the balance between security and individual rights. The TSA’s use of facial recognition technology is just one example of the increasing use of biometric technology in the name of security, and it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and regulated in the future.
In conclusion, the TSA’s facial recognition technology is being deployed at 84 airports across the United States, with plans for further expansion. While the technology is designed to enhance security and efficiency, it has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of the data collected. As the use of biometric technology continues to grow, it is essential to consider the implications for individual rights and freedoms. The TSA’s facial recognition technology is a significant development in this area, and it will be closely watched by security experts, civil liberties groups, and the general public.
The TSA’s Facial recognition technology process has sparked heated debate in the security industry. As reported by Security Info Watch, various groups have expressed concerns about the privacy implications.
The technology’s expansion has also sparked worries about surveillance. A range of views on the use of facial recognition technology have emerged. According to Security Info Watch, Some argue that it can be used as a valuable tool for security purposes while others see it as potential threat to civil liberties.
This story is ongoing and will be updated with more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, passengers should be aware of their rights and options when it comes to facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints.
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