Facial Recognition Hits U.S. Airports, But Privacy Concerns Remain

Facial recognition technology is increasingly being used for security screening at some of the nation’s busiest airports. TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID is now available at 15 locations, including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Newark, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ronald Reagan Washington National.

The system allows enrolled TSA PreCheck travelers with valid passports to verify their identity with a quick photo instead of a physical ID. TSA says all images are deleted within 24 hours of a flight and are not used for law enforcement or surveillance purposes. Passengers whose biometric matching fails must present a physical ID, and those who opt out receive the same screening position as other travelers.

CBP Expands Biometric Screening

The Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is also expanding its use of biometric processing. This month, the agency launched Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at Nashville International Airport, photographing travelers using auto-capture technology before they reach an officer. The system confirms identity, checks eligibility, and conducts enforcement screening. CBP says EPP speeds inspections for most travelers while allowing officers to focus on higher-risk passengers, and participation is optional.

Privacy Concerns and Legislative Oversight

Despite assurances from TSA and CBP that systems are encrypted and data is handled securely, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the collection of biometric data. In 2019, DHS acknowledged that traveler photos had been stolen in a breach involving a subcontractor’s network.

Lawmakers from both parties are pushing for stricter protections. The proposed Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 would require affirmative consent before collecting biometric data, bar passive surveillance, mandate timely deletion of images, and require annual Government Accountability Office reviews on accuracy and potential bias by race, age, and gender.

“By leveraging advanced technologies and mobile applications, we are transforming inspections at airports into a seamless, touchless process, enabling faster risk identification and efficient processing of legitimate visitors,” said Steven Stavinoha, CBP’s New Orleans Director of Field Operations.

As facial recognition technology becomes more widespread, travelers can expect faster screening, but debates over privacy, consent, and potential bias continue.