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.

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

  • 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

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.