Did You Know This TSA Security Rule Is OPTIONAL?

It seems like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been updating policies left and right these days — but did you know there’s one you can opt out of?

You may be familiar with the photo taken of you by TSA agents as they scan your ID. It’s deleted immediately following confirmation of your identity, but you don’t have to get your photo taken if you don’t want to.

On a recent trip through the airport, we spotted this sign at the TSA security checkpoint, which advised that passengers could choose to opt out of the facial recognition technology used by the agents when verifying their identity.

The sign also stated that photos are deleted after identities are verified, and that passengers can advise the TSA officer checking identification if they do not want their photo taken. It was noted that you would not use your place in line if you choose this option.

The TSA website indicates that the use of biometric technologies like facial recognition is used “to enhance security effectiveness, operational efficiency, and the passenger experience while protecting privacy and civil liberties.”

TSA has been testing biometrics to identify passengers at the checkpoint since 2020, and participation is voluntary. Just notify a TSA officer if you prefer a standard ID check.

This specific photo policy is a test of 1:1 (one to one) facial matching capabilities by “integrating a camera that will take a picture of a passenger and compare the photo to the image on their photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, using Credential Authentication Technology 2 (known as CAT-2).”

The photo taken is compared to the photo on the identification presented by the passenger, and is not stored in any databases.

TSA has partnered with Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to explore how they can leverage the facial matching system, called Traveler Verification System, that CBP developed for its congressionally mandated biometric entry and exit program.

It’s the hope of TSA that this biometric technology will result in “improved accuracy and speed of identity verification” and make the passenger experience faster and more seamless in the process.

We’ll be on the lookout for additional travel updates you might need to know about from the TSA. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest travel news and more!

How often do you travel through the airport? Let us know in the comments.