Latest news with #GerardoSpero
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Facial recognition at TSA: What to know before your next airport screening
The growing use of facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints is making some travelers worry about their digital privacy. During the screening process at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints across 84 airports nationwide, air passengers will encounter the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), according to the agency's website. The technology is expected to roll out to over 400 federalized airports. This biometric technology, in which a traveler's photo is taken while the officer scans their ID, is meant to streamline the process of verifying that you match your documents, flight status and vetting status. It also assesses digital IDs, if a traveler has one. What travelers should know: Do I have to give border control my phone? "This latest technology helps ensure that we know who is boarding flights," said TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware Gerardo Spero in a news release last month. "Credential authentication plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer's ability to validate a traveler's photo identification while also identifying any inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents." However, there are rising concerns around the safety of biometric information storage, stemming from the lack of transparency around the database where the information is being stored. "It's not about the integrity of your face or driver's license, it's about the database where you have no control," said India McKinney, director of federal affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. There's the risk of misidentification, security breaches, plus human or technological error. The screening process also varies at different airports and even terminals, putting the burden on the traveler. "We are aware of a variety of public concerns related to the accuracy of facial recognition and other biometric technologies and take those concerns seriously," the agency told USA TODAY in an email statement. Here's what travelers should know about TSA's facial recognition technology. According to the TSA, your information is generally deleted shortly after you pass the screening process and is not used for surveillance purposes. If you opted into the TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution, your information will be deleted 24 hours after your flight's scheduled departure time. "TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy," an agency spokesperson said. "Under normal operating conditions TSA facial recognition technology deletes traveler data and images immediately after your identity is verified." However, the agency added that the TSA will temporarily keep photos and data "in rare instances" to test the accuracy of the biometric technology. If this is going to happen, the agency will notify passengers with signs, and it's only for a limited time. Travelers can decline without losing their place in line. The agency said it secures all personal data and images, and adheres to DHS and TSA cybersecurity requirements. Nevertheless, all systems, including facial recognition technology, are susceptible to being compromised. "No cyber system is 100% secure, even if the images aren't used for a long period of time," said Vahid Behzadan, assistant professor in computer science and data science at the University of New Haven. "The fact that they're being imposed on a large group of travelers presents a vulnerability ... if an adversary manages to compromise the end points, then the adversary has access to all the facial images and details, assuming the IDs are also scanned." Yes, you can opt out of facial recognition technology and receive an alternative ID credential check from the officer instead. "There is no issue and no delay with a traveler exercising their rights to not participate in the automated biometrics matching technology," TSA states on its website. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA facial recognition: What happens to your data after screening?
USA Today
20-05-2025
- USA Today
Facial recognition at TSA: What to know before your next airport screening
Facial recognition at TSA: What to know before your next airport screening Show Caption Hide Caption What you need to know about airport security rules and checkpoints Here are TSA rules that you need to know and what to expect at each airport checkpoint. TSA is rolling out facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints nationwide. The technology aims to streamline identity verification and improve security. Privacy concerns exist regarding data storage and potential misuse. Travelers can opt out of facial recognition for an alternative screening process. The growing use of facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints is making some travelers worry about their digital privacy. During the screening process at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints across 84 airports nationwide, air passengers will encounter the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), according to the agency's website. The technology is expected to roll out to over 400 federalized airports. This biometric technology, in which a traveler's photo is taken while the officer scans their ID, is meant to streamline the process of verifying that you match your documents, flight status and vetting status. It also assesses digital IDs, if a traveler has one. What travelers should know: Do I have to give border control my phone? "This latest technology helps ensure that we know who is boarding flights," said TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware Gerardo Spero in a news release last month. "Credential authentication plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer's ability to validate a traveler's photo identification while also identifying any inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents." However, there are rising concerns around the safety of biometric information storage, stemming from the lack of transparency around the database where the information is being stored. "It's not about the integrity of your face or driver's license, it's about the database where you have no control," said India McKinney, director of federal affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. There's the risk of misidentification, security breaches, plus human or technological error. The screening process also varies at different airports and even terminals, putting the burden on the traveler. "We are aware of a variety of public concerns related to the accuracy of facial recognition and other biometric technologies and take those concerns seriously," the agency told USA TODAY in an email statement. Here's what travelers should know about TSA's facial recognition technology. What happens to my data after the security checkpoint screening? According to the TSA, your information is generally deleted shortly after you pass the screening process and is not used for surveillance purposes. If you opted into the TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution, your information will be deleted 24 hours after your flight's scheduled departure time. "TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy," an agency spokesperson said. "Under normal operating conditions TSA facial recognition technology deletes traveler data and images immediately after your identity is verified." However, the agency added that the TSA will temporarily keep photos and data "in rare instances" to test the accuracy of the biometric technology. If this is going to happen, the agency will notify passengers with signs, and it's only for a limited time. Travelers can decline without losing their place in line. The agency said it secures all personal data and images, and adheres to DHS and TSA cybersecurity requirements. Nevertheless, all systems, including facial recognition technology, are susceptible to being compromised. "No cyber system is 100% secure, even if the images aren't used for a long period of time," said Vahid Behzadan, assistant professor in computer science and data science at the University of New Haven. "The fact that they're being imposed on a large group of travelers presents a vulnerability ... if an adversary manages to compromise the end points, then the adversary has access to all the facial images and details, assuming the IDs are also scanned." Can I decline TSA taking my photo? Yes, you can opt out of facial recognition technology and receive an alternative ID credential check from the officer instead. "There is no issue and no delay with a traveler exercising their rights to not participate in the automated biometrics matching technology," TSA states on its website.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Forget Precheck: TSA adds invasive new security measure
Going through airport security has always been an invasive process. In the interest of "safety," something everyone wants, federal agents have an awful lot of power. On my recent trip from Orlando to Hartford, the experience was particularly unpleasant. After putting my carry-on through the scanner, I walked through the body scanning area on my inner thigh lit up and the TSA agent did an aggressive (and intimate) pat down of the area. It's easy to defend that in the interest of "safety," but it seemed excessive. What was also surprising is that before I walked through the scanner, I presented my Real ID (a passport card) to the TSA agent at the counter and stood in front of him in order to have my picture the time, I didn't think much of it, but in retrospect I realized that in addition to the more strict identification process, the photo was actually new. This new process has some people up in arms over whether it's an invasion of privacy or some sort of effort to track where citizens travel. The TSA has pushed back on that notion. The TSA has easy justification for anything it does. It can grab my groin because it's protecting the public good. It can confiscate a corkscrew it missed in my baggage dozens of times for the same reason. Most people will put up with anything under the guise that it's keeping them safer. That's how the TSA explained the addition of the photo-taking technology when it was introduced at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania. 'This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver's licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger's identification,' Gerardo Spero, TSA's federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said in the news release. 'We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are.' The new photo-taking machines are a new version of the agency's Credential Authentication Technology to verify the identity of travelers. The first generation of these units was designed to scan a traveler's photo identification and confirm the traveler's identity and flight details. More on travel: Low-cost airline to pull all Hawaii flights amid low demand Government issues new travel advisory on popular beach destination Another country just issued a new visa requirement for visitors The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. "CAT-2 compares the traveler's photo on the ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer verifies, and the traveler can proceed through the checkpoint, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. The photo is then deleted," according to the federal agency. Air travelers have some options when it comes to how they get screened. You can, for example, opt for a full-body pat-down if you don't want to (or can't) go through the body-scanning machine. For people with certain joint replacements or heart conditions, that may be an easier choice. 'Credential authentication plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer's ability to validate a traveler's photo identification while also identifying any inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents," Spero said. The system also confirms the passenger's flight status by verifying that the individual is ticketed to fly out of an airport on that same who might not trust the federal government, don't have to have their picture taken. "Photos captured by CAT-2 units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification," according to the TSA. "Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process." This technology is not limited to airports. It has been used in newer cruise ports as well.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Miami Herald
TSA pushes back on invasive new airport security technology
Going through airport security has always been an invasive process. In the interest of "safety," something everyone wants, federal agents have an awful lot of power. On my recent trip from Orlando to Hartford, the experience was particularly unpleasant. After putting my carry-on through the scanner, I walked through the body scanning device. Related: Disney World adds genius feature that improves its theme parks An area on my inner thigh lit up and the TSA agent did an aggressive (and intimate) pat down of the area. It's easy to defend that in the interest of "safety," but it seemed excessive. What was also surprising is that before I walked through the scanner, I presented my Real ID (a passport card) to the TSA agent at the counter and stood in front of him in order to have my picture taken. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter At the time, I didn't think much of it, but in retrospect I realized that in addition to the more strict identification process, the photo was actually new. This new process has some people up in arms over whether it's an invasion of privacy or some sort of effort to track where citizens travel. The TSA has pushed back on that notion. The TSA has easy justification for anything it does. It can grab my groin because it's protecting the public good. It can confiscate a corkscrew it missed in my baggage dozens of times for the same reason. Most people will put up with anything under the guise that it's keeping them safer. That's how the TSA explained the addition of the photo-taking technology when it was introduced at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania. "This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver's licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger's identification," Gerardo Spero, TSA's federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said in the news release. "We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are." The new photo-taking machines are a new version of the agency's Credential Authentication Technology to verify the identity of travelers. The first generation of these units was designed to scan a traveler's photo identification and confirm the traveler's identity and flight details. More on travel: Low-cost airline to pull all Hawaii flights amid low demandGovernment issues new travel advisory on popular beach destinationAnother country just issued a new visa requirement for visitors The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. "CAT-2 compares the traveler's photo on the ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer verifies, and the traveler can proceed through the checkpoint, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. The photo is then deleted," according to the federal agency. Air travelers have some options when it comes to how they get screened. You can, for example, opt for a full-body pat-down if you don't want to (or can't) go through the body-scanning machine. For people with certain joint replacements or heart conditions, that may be an easier choice. "Credential authentication plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer's ability to validate a traveler's photo identification while also identifying any inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents," Spero said. The system also confirms the passenger's flight status by verifying that the individual is ticketed to fly out of an airport on that same day. Related: Troubled airline files bankruptcy, travelers may not get refunds Flyers, who might not trust the federal government, don't have to have their picture taken. "Photos captured by CAT-2 units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification," according to the TSA. "Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process." This technology is not limited to airports. It has been used in newer cruise ports as well. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
REAL ID enforcement is in effect. Here's how summer travel is shaping up
After an uneven rollout that left many scrambling for Department of Motor Vehicles appointments ahead of the long-anticipated enforcement of REAL ID, air travel across the US went smoothly Wednesday — with many passengers opting to use their passports and officials ushering people without REAL IDs to separate lines for enhanced screening. But with a busy travel season ahead, officials are advising people not to wait on updating their IDs. While 81% of travelers REAL ID compliant, according to the Department of Homeland Security, some states have much lower compliance rates. Ahead of the rollout, officials stressed that passengers showing up Wednesday without a REAL ID would still be able to fly but 'may' face additional screening. At Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world's busiest airport, officials eliminated a separate security lane mid-morning Wednesday because so few travelers lacked a REAL ID. Staff at North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport had extra security lanes and staff ready, but travelers mostly had the identification they needed and moved smoothly through security, a CNN crew observed. 'The traveling public was great, they responded, they were prepared, everything went as well as it could be expected,' said Gerardo Spero, the Transportation Security Administration's federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware. Though Wednesday was the date the new requirement for air travel went into effect, it left many confused travelers scurrying to comply ahead of the upcoming holidays and summer months. At airports across the country, signs about the REAL ID requirements were posted asking, 'Are you REAL ID ready?' In some airports, those without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, such as a US passport, were ushered to separate lines for enhanced screening. Travelers were also given a warning to expect delays the next time they travel if they don't present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. REAL IDs are marked with a star, no matter what state you live in, and travelers can find out if they have a REAL ID by using the TSA's interactive tool. The 9/11 Commission recommended the new standard for enhanced security. Enforcement of the 2005 REAL ID Act law was pushed back several times. The 20-year-old law requires state driver's licenses to meet certain federal requirements to be used for boarding a plane or accessing federal facilities requiring identification. The enhanced features in a REAL ID include anti-counterfeiting technology. Looking ahead at summer travel With a busy travel season ahead, officials are advising people not to wait on updating their IDs. Jana Tidwell, with AAA Mid-Atlantic, is urging those who don't have REAL IDs to get them now, so they aren't hit with delays or other issues during peak travel times. 'We are just a couple weeks away from Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. Summer travel is going to ramp up,' Tidwell said. That may be more critical in states with low compliance with REAL ID requirements. In Illinois, compliance is below 50%, Max Walczyk, spokesperson for Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, told CNN. Alabama had only 33% REAL ID compliance, while North Carolina's REAL ID compliance was at 52%, officials said. 'It's going to be important for those without REAL ID to go ahead and make an appointment with their state DMVs to obtain a REAL ID as early as possible, because the requirement is still very much in effect,' a TSA spokesperson said. As for whether there will come a time that people without acceptable forms of ID will be turned away, the TSA hasn't said. 'We're working with states, airlines and airports collaboratively toward a closer to 100% compliance rate,' the spokesperson said. 'REAL ID is here, and it's important for passengers and travelers to obtain one.' CNN's Danny Freeman, Lauren Mascarenhas, Alisha Ebrahimji, Andi Babineau and Maxime Tamsett contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at
