Marketed to speed up identity verification, facial recognition technology is expected to expand to most airports later next year. The “credit authentication technology with camera” was first implemented in 2017. It is currently in use at 16 major airports. The technology scans your face and compares it to your driver’s license or passport. What may sound like a simple way to get you to your gate faster is a red flag for many travelers.
One of the many concerns about the program is data breaches. The TSA still needs to provide data on how accurate the scans are. Another fear is the technology’s similarities to China’s broad use of facial recognition. Many critics do not believe that live photos are not stored, even though TSA says they are not. For now, the technology is opt-in, but experts say similar programs are usually only optional during the introductory phase.
How likely will you have to go through the system during your travel plans next year? A TSA spokesperson commented to Insider that if all goes as planned, deployments at airport checkpoints could begin a little before 2024.
The Department of Homeland Security is already using this technology. What are your thoughts? Are you afraid of a Chinese-style social credit system? Comment below.
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