As part of a pilot project conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers at select airports in the United States are experiencing a new approach to airport security.

By utilizing facial recognition technology, travelers can now undergo identity verification without physically handing over their identification cards to a TSA officer, the Associated Press reports.

During a demonstration at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Jason Lim, the identity management capabilities manager, explained that the primary goal of this initiative is to assist officers in accurately confirming passengers’ identities.

This endeavor aligns with the broader trend of leveraging technology to enhance security measures and streamline procedures within the aviation industry.

The TSA emphasizes that participation in the pilot program is voluntary and assures its accuracy. However, critics have raised concerns regarding potential biases in facial recognition technology and the implications for passengers who may wish to opt out.

Presently, this technology is operational in 16 airports, including Baltimore, Reagan National, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Jose, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Jackson.

It’s important to note that not every TSA checkpoint within these airports has implemented this system, so not all travelers passing through these airports will encounter it.

Written by staff