Growing Airport Facial Recognition Programs Face Potential Congressional Limits

Facial recognition technology is increasingly adopted for security checks at some of the busiest airports nationwide. TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID is now operational at 15 locations, including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New York's JFK and LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Newark, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This innovative system enables TSA PreCheck participants with valid passports to verify their identity via a quick photograph rather than a physical ID. TSA asserts that images are purged within 24 hours post-flight and are not utilized for law enforcement or surveillance purposes. If biometric identification fails, travelers need to present a physical ID, and those opting out will undergo the same screening process. CBP is also enhancing its biometric processing capabilities. Recently, the agency introduced Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at Nashville International Airport, capturing travelers' photos using auto-capture technology prior to officer checks, thereby expediting inspection for most passengers. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)