Security News > 2022 > December > TSA to expand facial recognition across America
America's Transport Security Administration, better known as the TSA, has been testing facial recognition software to automatically screen passengers flying across the country in 16 airports.
The equipment will snap a live photo of their face and check whether it matches with the one captured on their ID. The pilot program, testing the Credential Authentication Technology 2 system, aims to reduce security screening wait times by automating the process so TSA agents do not need to manually check IDs.
Experts are concerned the technology might be risky to use, considering previous research has shown facial recognition algorithms can be less accurate when identifying women and people with darker skin.
"TSA is exploring the use of one to one and one to few facial identification to automate identity verification at airport checkpoints and modernize the screening experience for passengers," a spokesperson from the agency told The Register in a statement.
"Biometric technology has the potential to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and yield a more streamlined passenger experience at the TSA checkpoint. TSA recognizes that biometric solutions must be highly usable for all passengers and operators, considering the diversity of the traveling public."
The TSA's facial recognition system is currently being trialed at 16 domestic airports, including some of the busiest hubs like the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport.