The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its testing phase of facial recognition technology to match IDs at 28 airports nationwide. The system is only activated when passengers scan their ID and the live photos and ID scans are immediately deleted. Some lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to prevent the government from using facial recognition technology, citing concerns about racial bias. TSA officials have stated that the pilot program is voluntary and passengers can still have their identification manually checked by an agent. The agency worked with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate lab to measure the performance of the system and found no significant differences in accuracy across race and skin tone.
According to a report from WSB-TV News, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its testing phase of facial recognition technology to ensure faster and more high-tech airport security. The agency is now testing the technology in 28 airports nationwide, up from the original 16.
The TSA’s Identity Management Capabilities Manager, Jason Lim, explained that the system is only activated when a passenger scans their ID. The live photos and ID scans are immediately deleted, and the system is designed to assist officers in making security decisions in case of any anomalies, alarms, or resolutions.
However, some lawmakers are concerned that the facial recognition technology could disproportionately misidentify minorities. Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is leading the effort in the House to prevent the government from using facial recognition technology, reintroducing legislation earlier this year.
In response to concerns about racial bias, the TSA worked with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate lab in 2021 to measure the performance of the system. The agency found no significant differences in accuracy across race and skin tone.
Despite the TSA’s efforts to address concerns, Rep. Jayapal remains unconvinced and has called for a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology until it is used in the best possible way.
TSA officials have stated that the pilot program is voluntary, and passengers can have their identification manually checked by an agent if they prefer.
As technology continues to advance, it is important for agencies such as the TSA to balance the need for security with privacy concerns and potential biases. The expansion of facial recognition technology in airports is just one example of the ongoing debate over the use of these technologies in society.
