(NEXSTAR) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been working to bring facial recognition technology to security checkpoints at hundreds of airports over the last several years, with the goal of streamlining the ID process and improving “traveler convenience.”
“The facial recognition technology TSA uses helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on the identification document (ID) credential,” the TSA writes of its Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners, which are currently being used at 259 airports, according to a TSA spokesperson.
The agency also explains that the images are not used for surveillance purposes. These biometrics are “solely” used to assist with ID comparisons, the TSA says, and will be deleted shortly after the verification of a passenger’s identification. (There are “limited” instances when photos are kept to evaluate or test the accuracy of the technology, but passengers will be notified when this is the case, the spokesperson said.)
Despite these assurances, some passengers have expressed reservations about the process, or find it a bit intrusive. But these people may be interested to know that the process is completely voluntary.
Passengers who opt out of the photo, though, will still be subjected to an ID verification process by a TSA officer.
“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,” the TSA says.
The TSA also explains that these “alternate” processes will not result in a passenger losing their place in line. It also won’t take any longer than the CAT-2 scanning process, the agency claims.
When asked what an alternate ID verification process might entail, a TSA spokesperson told Nexstar that an officer will first “visually compare” the passengers face with their ID before taking one (or more) of the following actions: scanning the ID with the CAT-2 machine, or utilizing UV lights, magnifiers or “other tools” to assess the legitimacy of the ID.
“TSA is committed to protecting traveler privacy, civil rights, civil liberties and ensuring the public’s trust as it seeks to improve the traveler experience through its exploration of identity verification technologies,” the agency says.
Signage placed at TSA checkpoints — like those seen hanging from the CAT-2 machines in the image below — also aim to inform travelers of their right to decline a photo during the screening process.
“Participation in TSA facial recognition technology is optional. Your photo is deleted after identity is verified,” reads the signage. “Advise the officer if you do not want your photo taken. You will not lose your place in line.”
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), too, has a similar policy, allowing travelers to opt out of its biometrics technology and “request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by a CBP Officer.”
That said, the Department of Homeland Security has plenty of confidence in the current biometrics technologies in use by the TSA and CBP. A January report from DHS found that the facial recognition tools accurately match faces well over 99% of the time, regardless of demographic groups.
The TSA also believes that future efforts to implement new identify-verifying technologies to U.S. checkpoints — including biometric tools — will only enhance safety.
“TSA hopes that biometrics technology will result in improved accuracy and speed of identity verification, while making the passenger experience faster and more seamless.”
