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

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.

  • 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.