WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — A bipartisan group of senators failed Thursday to secure a vote on a proposal to halt the Transportation Security Administration’s expansion of facial recognition technology as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization bill as it moves through Congress.
The TSA uses facial recognition technology at security at more than 80 airports and wants to expand the technology to more airports.
Travel industry analysts claim it could contribute to long lines at US airports, while some lawmakers argue face scans are a privacy violation.
Will facial recognition help shorten lines?
Here’s how it works: Travelers can insert their ID into a machine, then step up to a camera that will match their face to the picture on their ID, allowing them to proceed through airport security.
Lawmakers are concerned that Americans won’t be aware that they can opt out of this screening and instead have a human look at their ID. They’re also worried that the government could misuse a growing database of Americans’ faces.
Travel industry groups support the amendment, stating it could shorten long lines at U.S. airports.
Still, some lawmakers, including Sen. Kevin Kramer, R-N.D., are concerned about how passengers’ faces are recognized.
“I am uncomfortable with TSA’s use of facial recognition whenever I’m at DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). What I’ve always found sort of interesting about it is that they claim, right on the signs, that the image is immediately erased. I’m thinking, well then what are they comparing it to? How can you use facial recognition but not have anything to recognize,” Kramer said.
House expected to pass FAA Reauthorization Act
In a statement to NewsNation, the TSA said it’s using facial recognition technology “to improve transportation security effectiveness, efficiency, and the passenger experience.” The agency noted the use of the technology is optional for passengers.
The House is expected to pass the reauthorization bill next week. It also has provisions to hire more air traffic controllers and help cut down on near misses on airport runways.