Facial Recognition - Another layer of security

 

Facial Recognition - Another layer of security

        One of the latest advancements in layers of security used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the use of facial recognition and biometric technology. This is a process that uses photos to match passengers as they check-in and board. This technology was first introduced in 2017 (Schaper, 2021) with the intention to better identify passengers throughout different checkpoints. It allows for both faster verification of identity and a simplifying check-in process to reduce the long wait times, and lines. The use of facial recognition was chosen due to the simplicity of the process. Simply put, just link the DMV in many cases. Though this is a process that is still under development in most airports, the photo attached to the boarding pass is first processed at check-in, where it is approximated to be around 10 seconds compared to the 30 seconds to verify identity that would traditionally take place. Biometrics technology is also being used for faster processing. This includes fingerprints to link passengers to the system during transit or layovers without presenting their boarding passes. This also reduces the delays, but most importantly a sense of security for quickly identifying someone who is not supposed to be on a flight, or as described, to avoid international travelers "jumping the border" (Street, 2019). Though this technology was being introduced into airports in 2017, COVID placed an extreme delay on any progression. But, the industry and TSA are expecting to continue their expansion and leverage the use of this technology as they make a recovery. From the outside looking in, I think this is a great way to ease the process and add an extra layer to the security. However, I think that the photo that is being used should be processed when tickets are purchased in a robust and shared software that directly links to the tools used to monitor suspicious persons or no-fly lists. Having the information ahead of time about a person known to be linked with any kind of activity that would jeopardize the security of the flight or the lives of its passengers, would be tremendously helpful in an overall prevention strategy. 

Schaper, D. (2021) It was shoes on, no bonding pass or ID. But airport security forever changed on 9/11. WJCT News. Retrieved from: https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035131619/911-travel-timeline-tsa

Glusac, E. (2022) What you need to know about facial recognition at airports. New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/26/travel/facial-recognition-airports-customs.html

Street, F. (2019) How Facial Recognition is taking over Airports. CNN News. Retrieved from: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/airports-facial-recognition/index.html