TSA Announces Plan for Facial Recognition at Security Checkpoints

TSA Announces Plan for Facial Recognition at Security Checkpoints

The TSA Biometrics Roadmap focuses on four main goals: 1. Partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on biometrics for international travelers, 2. Using biometrics provided by TSA PreCheck members to enhance the travel experience, 3. Expanding biometrics to additional domestic travelers and 4. Developing the infrastructure for biometric technology.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Oct 17, 2018

The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday its plan to expand the use of biometrics technology at airport security checkpoints. The TSA Biometrics Roadmap for Aviation Security and the Passenger Experience outlines TSA’s four main goals for modernizing aviation passenger identity verification.

Currently, TSA and its airline partners check identities at airport security checkpoints with an officer and inspection of travel documents like photo identification. The agency hopes to simplify the passenger experience and increase efficiency and security by using biometric technology like facial recognition and fingerprints. In order to do this, the TSA must build out the infrastructure to host and check biometric data against verified databases at security checkpoints.

“With the threat to aviation evolving every day, developing the next generation of security technology with our industry partners is critically important,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “By expanding our use of biometrics, TSA secures its position as a global leader in aviation security and advances global transportation security standards.”

The TSA Biometrics Roadmap focuses on four main goals: 1. Partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on biometrics for international travelers, 2. Using biometrics provided by TSA PreCheck members to enhance the travel experience, 3. Expanding biometrics to additional domestic travelers and 4. Developing the infrastructure for biometric technology.

The agency has already begun implementing some use of biometric facial recognition technology for passengers at some airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Later this month, TSA will partner with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines and CBP to launch its first biometric terminal, which will use facial recognition to automate processes such as self-service bag drop, ID verification and boarding.

“By testing biometrics technology in the airport environment, TSA hopes to increase security effectiveness and stay ahead of the threat,” Pekoske said. “We will continue to leverage our partnerships to deliver enhanced capabilities to checkpoint lanes throughout the country.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. 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.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • 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