PORTLAND, Ore. — The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out new state-of-the-art facial recognition technology at Portland International Airport.
TSA officials at PDX want to highlight how they are using the “latest generation” of identity verification technology for travelers at security checkpoints.
The new recognition method is called Credential Authentication Technology or CAT 2. Officials said it’s able to confirm a flyer’s identity by comparing a scan of their government-issued ID or passport to a real-time photo. They believe the program will be able to accurately match a person to their ID regardless of how appearance has changed, and that it could provide shorter security lines.
SEE ALSO: TSA unveils new security checkpoints at PDX with advanced screening technologyTravelers departing from PDX are allowed to opt out of the new process if they desire by stepping to the side of the line and telling an officer they’d like to opt-out.”This is important because identity verification is a cornerstone of our security program,” said Oregon TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers. “We need to make sure the person traveling, the person who’s been vetted is the person standing in front of us.”CAT 2 will be seen in action soon at PDX and will likely spread to airports across the country.
