The TSA's facial recognition technology is used at select U.S. airports for identification verification. Participation is optional, and travelers can opt out by informing a TSA agent. Privacy concerns have been raised regarding the use of biometric data.
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In numerous Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines at U.S. airports, travelers may encounter a camera that captures their photo as part of the security process. This practice, which began in 2020, is part of TSA's facial recognition technology initiative, aimed at verifying identities more efficiently.
Participation in this program is optional for domestic travelers, while some international travelers might be required to participate. TSA states that there should be clear signage indicating that opting out is possible, although visibility and language barriers may affect travelers' awareness.
Concerns have been raised regarding the privacy implications of submitting facial scans to the government. Privacy experts have highlighted the potential benefits of opting out, emphasizing the importance of personal data security. Travis LeBlanc, a former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, noted that opting out prevents the government from storing personal images under their regulations.
The TSA's 2023 privacy impact assessment specifies that biometric data is used solely for identity verification and assessing the technology's effectiveness. However, TSA's 2022 roadmap suggests an expansion of biometric capabilities for real-time identity validation, raising questions about future applications.
Jennifer King, a privacy and data policy fellow at Stanford University, expressed concerns about data usage transparency and the Department of Homeland Security's historical approach to privacy. She consistently opts out of facial scans due to these concerns.
TSA has clarified that its biometric technology is not used for surveillance and that photos are not stored after identity verification, except in limited testing environments. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also conducts facial scans, with different data retention policies for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
There are potential future uses for facial recognition technology beyond identity verification. LeBlanc pointed out that TSA, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, could potentially use these images for various purposes.
Recent changes in the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, including the dismissal of key members, have raised concerns about oversight and transparency. LeBlanc, who is challenging his dismissal, emphasized the importance of the board in promoting privacy and civil liberties.
Travelers have the right to decline facial scans at TSA checkpoints. While TSA states that opting out should not cause delays, there have been instances of travelers receiving pushback. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley reported facing such a situation but experienced no delay after opting out.
Saira Hussain, a senior attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, consistently opts out and encourages others to exercise this option. Travelers can decline by informing TSA agents of their preference, after which standard ID verification procedures should follow.
TSA's website assures that opting out does not result in delays or issues, and exercising this right can contribute to broader public discourse on privacy and security measures at airports. TSA's Credential Authentication Technology units, responsible for facial scans, are expanding to more airports nationwide.
Public engagement in these privacy matters may influence future TSA programs. Hussain suggests that collective action could prompt reevaluation of such initiatives.