ACLU: TSA Behavior Profiling Unscientific and Unreliable

ACLU: TSA Behavior Profiling Unscientific and Unreliable

  • Feb 10, 2017

In a blog post on the American Civil Liberties Union’s website, the ACLU says that agents of the Transportation Security Administration use a system of “behavior detection” techniques that are unreliable and unscientific.

ACLU says TSA agents are to look out for people who are yawning, whistling, distracted or late for a flight. TSA calls these behaviors “mal-intent.” Based on these behaviors and a score of many more, agents flag that person for additional screening and questioning.

The ACLU obtained documents through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit that show that TSA’s techniques and protocols are not rooted in valid science, and could, in fact, lead to an unacceptable risk of racial and religious profiling.

According to the post, the ACLU found five top things in the TSA’s documents. Here’s a summary:

TSA’s own files show that their use of behavior detection is unreliable and unscientific. The TSA turned over many academic and scientific studies that directly undercuts the notions that officers can detect deceit or bad intentions based on people’s behavior with any reliability, especially in a place like the airport.

In 2009, TSA expanded the behavior detection program beyond security checkpoints at airports and enabled “behavior detection officers,” some in plain clothes, to spread throughout the entire airport. Officers were taught to use “casual conversation” to draw information out of travelers.

The TSA overstated the scientific validity of behavior detection techniques in communications with Congress by repeatedly assuring members that the program uses “objective criteria.”

TSA documents reveal details of specific instances of racial or religious profiling. TSA produced records of investigations into alleged profiling by behavior detection officers in Newark, Chicago, Miami and Honolulu. The records highlight which behavior indicators can be used as a pretext for harassing minorities and disfavored groups.

Based on the findings, the ACLU suggests that TSA should phase out the behavior detection program and implement a rigorous anti-discrimination training program for all employees.

Featured

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.