seattle tacoma airport

Seattle-Tacoma Airport Becomes First To Resist Government Push For Facial Recognition Expansion

The Port of Seattle Commission approved a moratorium on new biometric technology programs on Tuesday amid concern over data privacy and the tool’s accuracy.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Dec 13, 2019

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport became the first airport in the U.S. to resist the rollout of facial recognition technology at its boarding gates with a vote from the Port of Seattle Commission on Tuesday.

The five-member commission that oversees Sea-Tac unanimously approved a moratorium on new biometric technologies, including facial recognition, until the commission can vote on “tangible, enforceable” policies that would regulate its use on travelers, according to The Seattle Times.

In practice, the new policy will stop plans from Delta Airlines to introduce facial recognition cameras at Sea-Tac boarding gates by the end of 2019. The company has already rolled out the tool at seven other American airports in an effort to speed up the flow of lines and eliminating the need for passengers to present passports and boarding passes.

Read more: Delta Air Lines Expands Facial Recognition Technology to LAX

But the moratorium, which only applies to areas that the port controls, will not affect Customs and Border Protection’s current proposals to install facial recognition cameras at a new facility for international travelers. That part of the building, which will open with the cameras in July 2020, is controlled by the federal government.

The TSA’s CLEAR program, which uses biometric technology to allow passengers to jump to the front of the line, will also not be affected since it is already in place.

Several residents spoke out against the expansion of facial recognition technology during the commission’s public comment period on Tuesday, including security researcher Cynthia Spiess.

“Biometric data should not be taken lightly,” Spiess said, according to the Times. “You only have one face. What is the recourse to the victims? What is the liability to the Port when a data breach happens? Because this data will be breached.”

Key concerns of the commission include making sure the technology is rolled out “ethically, justifiably and voluntarily,” the Times reported. In addition, commissioners said they would focus on rules that protected the privacy of passengers.

A working group composed of the port’s staff, airlines, tech companies and community representatives has been tasked with presenting recommendations to the commission by the end of March. The current plan is to vote on those policies, which could include a recommendation that the technology is not ready for a widespread rollout, by late June.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • 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

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.