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In a bipartisan effort, a group of US senators proposes to halt the use of facial recognition technology in airports, citing privacy concerns. As part of their proposal incorporated in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, Senators Jeff Merkley and John Kennedy are pushing to cease technology expansion until 2027 and require clear opt-out options for passengers at applicable airports.
As the aviation law renewal deadline looms, these amendments are expected to be considered. Their proposal has stirred disagreements, with privacy advocates supporting the move, while consumer and industry groups tout the technology’s benefits in reducing airport wait times and enhancing safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to scale-up facial recognition technology across 430 airports, from the current 25, to expedite the check-in process. This involves passengers being photographed at iPad-equipped kiosks with images then matched to a government database, replacing the need for physical identification.
Merkley has expressed his personal concerns over the technology, citing the lack of clear optional provisions in the scanning process. This has led to passengers feeling pressurized to comply for fear of repercussions.
The travel industry has voiced concerns over the proposal. The U.S. Travel Association President and CEO, Geoff Freeman, argues that such restrictions could present serious implications for travelers and considers it a step backward, jeopardizing America’s airport security. It is anticipated that without this software, passengers could face an extra 120 million hours in security lines each year, potentially posing national security risks.
Merkley dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing that their proposal is to preserve the existing status quo, not generate delays. He also voiced concerns over the potentially invasive use of such data.
14 senators, including Merkley and Kennedy, have written to Senator Chuck Schumer, expressing their unease over privacy and civil liberties. They request the TSA’s halt on facial recognition deployment until a thorough congressional review is conducted. Schumer has included the amendment on the list of proposals slated for review but has yet to officially announce his stance.
Public figures and groups continue to voice their opinions on the matter, creating ongoing tension between privacy advocates and those who see the potential technological benefits.
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