Bipartisan Senators Push for Restrictions on TSA's Facial Recognition Technology at Airports

A bipartisan group of 14 US senators, led by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), is calling for restrictions on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of facial recognition technology at airports. The senators expressed their concerns over travelers' privacy and civil liberties in a letter addressed to Senate leaders on Thursday.

Why this matters: The use of facial recognition technology by government agencies raises significant concerns about privacy, data security, and potential biases, which could have far-reaching implications for civil liberties. The use of facial recognition technology by government agencies raises significant concerns about privacy, data security, and potential biases, which could have far-reaching implications for civil liberties. As this technology becomes more widespread, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure its responsible use.

The senators' push for restrictions comes in the wake of the TSA's introduction of new facial recognition technology at a Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport security checkpoint in April 2023. The technology, which uses a camera to capture a traveler's image and compare it to their ID, aims to improve the accuracy of identity verification without slowing passenger speeds at checkpoints.

In their letter, the senators cited several concerns about the technology's potential threats to privacy and civil liberties, plus the lack of congressional oversight. "This technology poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA's development and deployment offacial recognition toolsuntil rigorous congressional oversight occurs,"the senators wrote.

The senators also raised questions about data collection, access, and security, plus possible bias in the algorithms used. Additionally, they noted that it is not clear to passengers that they do not have to submit tofacial recognition. While passengers can currently opt out, TSA Administrator David Pekoske has stated that biometrics will eventually be required because of their effectiveness and efficiency.

The bipartisan group of senators is pushing for restrictions on the TSA's use of facial recognition technology to be included in the upcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They argue that Congress must put in place oversight measures to ensure the technology is used responsibly and that the rights of American citizens are protected.

The senators warned in their letter, "It is clear that we are at a critical juncture. The scope of the government's use of facial recognition on Americans will expand exponentially under TSA's plans with little to no public discourse or congressional oversight."

The bipartisan effort to restrict the TSA's use of facial recognition technology highlights the growing concerns surrounding the implementation of such systems in public spaces. Technology continues to advance and become more widely adopted, lawmakers must address the potential risks to privacy and civil liberties while ensuring the safety and security of air travel.

The upcoming FAA reauthorization presents a vital opportunity for Congress to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms for the use of facial recognition technology by government agencies like the TSA. The actions taken by these senators serve as an important step in ensuring that the rights of American citizens are protected in an increasingly technology-driven world, while still maintaining the necessary security measures for air travel.

Key Takeaways

• 14 US senators call for restrictions on TSA's use of facial recognition tech at airports.
• Concerns include privacy, data security, and potential biases in facial recognition tech.
• TSA introduced facial recognition tech at Baltimore-Washington airport in April 2023.
• Senators want restrictions included in upcoming Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.
• Goal is to ensure responsible use of facial recognition tech and protect American citizens' rights.