Airports in the United States are implementing facial recognition software to identify passengers prior to boarding, though Americans may choose not to participate.
Facial recognition technology has been deployed in over 230 U.S. airports, as noted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the federal entity responsible for securing the nation’s borders.
Proponents argue that facial recognition streamlines the boarding process and reduces the need for physical tickets. However, the technology is not without its flaws and controversies. Initial deployments were marred by technical failures and inaccuracies, and criticism has mounted over the technology’s disproportionate failure rate when identifying non-white individuals.
Beyond technical challenges, there are heightened concerns around privacy and legality, given that it’s the airlines, not the CBP, that are gathering biometric data.
Delta Air Lines pioneered this approach in 2018, with JetBlue and other carriers quickly following. Although airlines use facial scans for passenger verification at boarding, this data is subsequently shared with the government for security screenings against databases like visa overstays.
The duration for which the government retains these images ranges significantly, depending on one’s citizenship status, with the data being accessible across various government databases for border agents.
For U.S. citizens, opting out of facial recognition is straightforward and legally permitted.
There may be variability in the visibility and availability of opt-out information across airports.
However, as stipulated on CBP’s website, U.S. citizens can refuse participation in these biometric screenings in favor of manual document checks by border agents.
It’s important to remember that you may need to assert your preference to opt out at several junctures, from airport entry to your final boarding.
Opting out of facial recognition is a right available only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents on international departures, with certain exceptions extending to domestic travels. Should you decide to opt out, notifying an officer or airline employee will lead to a traditional passport and boarding pass check.
For non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the ability to opt out is more limited, save for certain exceptions such as visa-exempt Canadian citizens and foreign diplomats. Despite potential challenges, Americans and permanent residents retain the right to opt out.
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, remaining alert is crucial for those wishing to bypass facial recognition technology.
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Originally published on May 13, 2019 and updated on July 29, 2024.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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