Hey privacy community! A few weeks back I’ve seen an article posted here or in some other tech community about TSA rolling out biometric ID process in some US airports, that involved taking a face scan.

I had an international flight planned and I wouldn’t want to go through biometric ID, but I was anxious of potential delay and having to explain myself to TSA agents. I also convinced my wife to opt out, which could potentially double the delay.

So for the folks who may have the same concerns, I’d like to share my experience.

I went on my flight a few days back from Newark International Airport (EWR). We went through security check in new Terminal A. At the beginning of the security line there were a few clearly visible posters about biometric ID with opt out information. To opt out you just need to tell TSA agent that you don’t want your photo to be taken. The poster also says that you will not lose your place in line if you opt out. Same posters are on each agent desk.

The scanning machine is on every agent’s desk, next to the opt out posters. It has a screen, about 8", with something that looks like a set of stereo lenses on top of it. The screen shows the live feed of the person in front of it during scanning process, with a template of a face that helps to properly position it. The scanning process seems to be very quick.

Now, for the opt out - it is indeed as easy and seamless as they claim. I asked the agent to not take my picture, he just said OK and asked me for my passport. The scanning machine didn’t turn on. He scanned my passport and gave it back, and I was done, no questions asked.

Actually, I noticed that people who had their faces scanned also had to hand passports over. So they had to spend more time with the agent than I. I assume because it was their first time through this biometric collection and next time they just scan their face again and that’s it.

And while I was pleased how easy it was for me and my family to opt out of this, in my opinion, completely unnecessary privacy invasion, I have not observed any other person (out of maybe 100 who passed before me) who did the same. Unfortunately, we know here how easily and thoughtless people give away yet another piece of their personal data. In this case, the data that can be used next time to ID people via video surveillance without any consent.

  • menemen@lemmy.ml
    31·
    3 months ago

    When I last entered the US in 2009 they took my fingerprints and a photo. I assumed it to be mandatory.

    I also had to “please follow me” to a backroom, but I kinda expected this as a muslim. Met some friendly mexican and pakistani people there, so it wasn’t that bad. I still decided to refuse all business trips to the US from that day on (and avoided tourist travel there as well), as I just didn’t feel safe.

  • jeffhykin@lemm.ee
    23·
    3 months ago

    Same for me: just say no, and they say OK. Effortless but the option is totally invisible.

    The irony is, I’ve seen the staff stop using the face scanner for everyone halfway through the line to speed things up. So its not saving time, just costing money to increase surveillance.

    • halcyoncmdr@lemmy.worldEnglish
      17·
      3 months ago

      So its not saving time, just costing money to increase surveillance.

      So just like nearly everything the TSA does.

    • 800XL@lemmy.world
      1·
      3 months ago

      I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to the airport waiting for the naked scanner and been part of a group tahen thru the metal detector instead and let thru. I don’t even have to opt out of the scanner for the pat down.

  • Bobby Turkalino
    131·
    3 months ago

    Did you happen to look up while standing in the TSA line? Surprise, there’s cameras there too. Sure, they’re not getting a straight-on shot of your face, but still getting a clear shot nonetheless. There’s no winning in this situation sadly

    • muntedcrocodile@lemmy.world
      8·
      3 months ago

      Except when they get caught using ur face in facial recognition for security cameras across the globe its without your consent and forces the courts to admit they illegally took ur face for recognition. Yoyr rights will be violated its just trying to make the job of the people who will have to go and fight for them back easyer

    • jeffhykin@lemm.ee
      6·
      3 months ago

      Labeling datasets is costly process. When you dont opt out, you’re letting them build a labelled dataset on you-specifically for free.

    • pound_heap@lemm.eeOP
      1·
      3 months ago

      Yeah, I don’t think these cameras are used to ID people routinely. Government already has my photo - I have passport anyways. However, face scan is much more sophisticated and they cannot take it with overhead cameras

  • PrincessLeiasCat@sh.itjust.works
    2·
    3 months ago

    I’ve never seen the signs allowing you to opt out, so this is good info.

    But to add onto this topic - what is up when 2 people walk down a designated walkway while in line and the officer follows alongside them with the dog?