SEATAC, Wash. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out new technology at its checkpoints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that will use facial matching technology to verify the identity of travelers.
The TSA checkpoint stands are being upgraded with cameras that snap a photo of the traveler and then match it to their identification. The new process will eliminate the need to scan a boarding pass before being admitted into the screening area.
“What I’ve seen is anytime the traveler has to do less, the faster it is,” said TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers.
Dankers gave a demonstration of the second generation ‘Credential Authentication Technology’ (CAT) terminals to the media on Wednesday.
“They’re walking up to our travel document checker, handing over their ID, their picture is taken, it’s verified in a second or two, and they’re on their way. I think it’s a very efficient process – using technology to enhance our existing processes, so I think travelers should feel good about that,” Dankers said.
The photos are immediately erased from the computer once they are matched, according to the TSA.
“Photos captured by a CAT-2 unit are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt-out in favor of an alternative identity verification process. Signage posted next to a CAT-2 unit informs the passenger that participation in facial matching is optional,” a TSA news release states.
The photo verification is optional, and passengers can ask to have their identity verified manually by asking the agent before standing in front of the camera.
“For those who are concerned about [privacy], know this – the vast majority of the traveling public has accepted the use of facial matching for this purpose. When it comes to security, we want to verify people are who they say they are, and the technology helps us do this, but again it’s always optional,” Dankers said.
Despite the TSA’s assurances that the photos are only used to match a traveler’s face to their identification, a group of 14 lawmakers pushed back on facial recognition earlier this year in a letter to the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
“This technology poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs,” the May 2 letter states.
The group was led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D – OR) who asked congress to use the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) re-authorization bill earlier this year as an opportunity to restrict how TSA uses facial recognition.
“The potential for misuse of this technology extends far beyond airport security checkpoints,” the letter states. “Once Americans become accustomed to government facial recognition scans, it will be that much easier for government to scan citizens’ faces everywhere, from entry into government buildings, to passive surveillance on public property like parks, schools, and sidewalks.”
The FAA Reauthorization Act passed without a vote on Merkley’s amendment.
Airlines have also started using facial matching technology for check-in and boarding. You can learn more about the TSA’s facial recognition and digital identity solutions on the agency’s website.
