A bipartisan group of senators is advocating for limitations on the use of facial recognition technology by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) due to concerns about privacy and civil liberties. In a letter, 14 lawmakers urged Senate leaders to restrict TSA’s use of this technology during the forthcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. They emphasized the need for congressional oversight to ensure that TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools are adequately monitored.
Senators Jeff Merkley, John Kennedy, and Roger Marshall spearheaded this initiative to cease the use of facial recognition technology at security checkpoints despite its proven benefits in enhancing security, efficiency, and the passenger experience, according to TSA. Currently operational at 84 airports nationwide, the technology is slated for further expansion to the approximately 430 facilities under TSA jurisdiction in the near future.
The upcoming reauthorization of the FAA represents a crucial legislative opportunity given that it is one of the final essential bills in this congressional session. With oversight over airlines, aircraft makers, and national airspace, the FAA plays a pivotal regulatory role in the aviation sector. However, concerns have been raised about data collection, access to data, security vulnerabilities in the event of a breach, and potential biases in the facial recognition algorithms. Privacy advocates are also worried about passengers being unaware of their right to opt out of facial recognition scans.
In light of these issues, the senators are calling for a halt to TSA’s plans for expanding facial recognition use with limited public discussion or congressional scrutiny. They believe that stringent oversight is essential to prevent the unchecked growth of government surveillance through facial recognition technology.