Would you like to play a role in shaping the future of travel? If you’re part of TSA Precheck or Global Entry, you may have the chance to join a test program for biometric facial comparison offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Traveler Verification Service.
This biometric system works by confirming passenger identities. It matches live facial images with a set of photos you’ve already submitted to the government for things like your passport, digital ID verification, or your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application.
Wondering how it functions? Eligible flyers often get a mobile alert when checking in on a participating airline’s app. If you choose to join, your mobile boarding pass will show a sign that informs TSA agents of your participation, similar to TSA Precheck indicators.
At the security checkpoint, you’ll be asked to pose for a live picture. This image will be sent to CBP and compared with the photos you previously provided using facial comparison technology.
Currently, this test program is available for Delta passengers flying from either Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, but TSA aims to widen the pilot to include more airports and airlines. The ultimate aim is for this facial technology to replace digital IDs such as those on Apple Wallet or the American Airlines Mobile ID, which are currently accepted at 16 airports.
“CBP is excited to expand the use of facial biometrics through public/private partnerships to further secure and enhance travel while protecting the privacy of all travelers and supporting travel recovery,” said Diane J. Sabino, deputy executive assistant commissioner at CBP’s office of field operations.
For those who are curious about privacy, the program collects only the live photo you agree to provide, along with your passport number, Known Traveler Number, and transactional data like a transaction ID number, timestamps, and match results. TSA ensures that this data is anonymized, encrypted, and sent to the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate. They evaluate the tech’s effectiveness and delete the data within 180 days.
CBP reports that this biometric verification method was most accurate during tests, outperforming fingerprint and iris scanning. Biometric facial comparison is already part of the entry process at all international airports and the exit process at 32 airports. It was first introduced for domestic travel in 2021.
While this technology could streamline security checks, there are concerns about potential civil rights issues, privacy risks, and the impact of facial recognition errors on travelers.
