A group of U.S. Senators is pushing to restrict the use of facial recognition technology at airports as more than 80 U.S. airports currently use biometric technology with plans for expansion to more than 400. Senators from both parties are advocating for restrictions to be added to a bill that authorizes funding for the FAA. They argue that the technology poses significant threats to privacy and civil liberties and that TSA should not deploy facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs.
While TSA claims that facial recognition technology enhances security and improves traveler convenience, the opposing Senators warn of the potential surveillance risks associated with the widespread use of the technology. They fear that government facial recognition scans at airports could lead to expanded surveillance, such as tracking entry into public property like parks. The lawmakers also argue that biometric technology does not necessarily make air travel safer, as TSA lacks evidence that it has caught more travelers using fake IDs thanks to their facial recognition technology.
The U.S. Travel Association, an industry trade group, supports the expansion of facial recognition technology at airports and opposes any changes to the FAA bill that would hinder its progress. The association views biometrics as the future of air travel screening and believes that banning biometric air traveler screening technology would increase checkpoint wait times, block TSA PreCheck and touchless ID solutions, endanger security, and waste millions of taxpayer dollars. Thousands of letters have been sent to Capitol Hill to voice opposition to potential amendments that would slow down the adoption of biometric technology at airports.
Despite U.S. Travel’s support for biometrics, a survey conducted by the association found that approximately half of all Americans are uncomfortable sharing their biometric data with both the government and private corporations. However, a higher percentage of recent air travelers are comfortable with sharing their biometric data. In response to claims that the loss of facial recognition technology would lead to longer wait times, Senator Merkley cited TSA’s own research on the issue and argued against this notion.
Biometric adoption is a key part of U.S. Travel’s efforts to make air travel more seamless and efficient. The lack of biometric security screening adoption in most American airports has put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage with other destinations, according to the association’s research. Around 60% of airports are planning to implement biometrics throughout their facilities in the next five years, including at check-in and boarding areas. During the Skift Global Forum, the CEO and President of U.S. Travel emphasized the importance of biometrics in improving the overall travel experience and streamlining the TSA screening process at airports.
