CBP Sign

Customs and Border Protection Plans to Expand Use of Facial Recognition in Global Entry Program

The agency says that the privacy risks to travelers will actually be lower with the facial scans, since they will no longer have to offer fingerprint data in order to enter the U.S.

While Customs and Border Protection has rescinded plans to expand mandatory facial recognition to all travelers entering and exiting the country, the agency is still focused on using the technology for one group of passengers: people enrolled in the Global Entry program.

The program allows “low risk” frequent travelers to bypass CBP officers and head to baggage claim immediately after visiting a Global Entry kiosk. Most of those kiosks scan passports and take fingerprints before allowing users to officially enter the U.S.

Now, according to Nextgov, the agency will offer Global Entry travelers the ability to use facial scans for clearance and eliminate the need for a fingerprint or passport scan. The agency has been piloting the technology since June 2018 and has expanded to several other airports, including three international airports.

In a Monday privacy impact statement, CBP said that the kiosks already have cameras to take photos of travelers that will be upgraded as the facial recognition program grows. Privacy notices will be added to the upgraded machines to inform Global Entry members of the process and the data they are agreeing to submit to the government.

Once the kiosk takes a photo, the image will be matched to a gallery from CBP’s systems containing passport and visa photos as well as Global Entry enrollment photos. From there, the kiosk images will be saved into the Department of Homeland Security’s IDENT biometric database, according to Nextgov’s reporting.

“When comparing photos for a facial recognition match, [the Traveler Verification Service] uses travel document photos as well as recently taken photos to improve accuracy because up to date photos may match better than document photos,” the privacy document states.

CBP claims that facial recognition usage will lower the privacy risks to travelers because the program already took photos at the kiosks and will no longer need fingerprint data to work.

A spokesperson told Nextgov that if there are technical issues with the facial recognition program, the kiosk will default to asking passengers for their passports and to conduct a fingerprint scan.

About the Author

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.