A group of 14 senators from both parties is urging their leaders to limit the use of facial recognition technology by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to protect privacy and civil liberties. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) are leading the effort, requesting in a letter that Senate leaders restrict TSA’s use of the technology during the upcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The senators argue that facial recognition technology poses significant threats to privacy and civil liberties, calling for rigorous congressional oversight before TSA can develop and deploy such tools. Currently, the controversial technology is being used in 84 out of the 430 TSA-covered airports across the country, with plans for further expansion.
Critics of the technology are concerned about the lack of clarity for passengers regarding its optional use, as well as the collection and access to the data. The senators highlight the need for public discourse and congressional oversight on the government’s expanding use of facial recognition on Americans under TSA’s plans.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske has mentioned that the agency is considering making biometric verification mandatory to improve efficiency, although a timeline has not been specified. The senators are emphasizing the importance of the upcoming FAA reauthorization as a critical opportunity to address these concerns and protect privacy rights.
