Latest news with #TSAPreCheckTouchlessID
Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
Everything to know about TSA facial recognition and whether you should opt in
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been slowly rolling out a facial recognition program that eliminates the need for physical identification at security checkpoints . The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is being used in more airports across the US and uses facial recognition technology to match your face to the photo on your identification to speed up the screening process. It comes as the TSA prepares for a major ID rule change . From May 7, TSA agents will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements across the country. Passengers over the age of 18 catching a flight in the US will be required to present a passport or an upgraded state-issued identification card that meets federal REAL ID standards. Read More Related Articles Trump struggles to hide mystery bruise with makeup despite 'excellent health' claims Read More Related Articles JD Vance struggles to handle his three children in tough parenting moment at Taj Mahal TSA says PreCheck Touchless ID is more convenient, efficient and secure (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) However, if the scan works for those opted into the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program then you may not need to hand your ID to a TSA officer at all. The facial recognition program is voluntary, leading to many passengers wondering whether or not they should opt in. Here's everything you need to know. What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? TSA PreCheck Touchless ID "enhances the security screening process with facial recognition technology for faster, more efficient identity verification," according to the TSA. The program utilises facial identification technology to verify the identities of travelers at security checkpoints. While you would usually hand a TSA officer your physical ID, which must be a REAL ID from May 7, if you are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID you instead stand in front of a kiosk that captures an image of you from the chin up. 'The technology compares biometric templates of passengers' live photos to a pre-staged gallery of existing passport or visa photo templates,' a TSA representative told AFAR . When did the TSA start using facial recognition? The TSA first launched the Touchless ID program in March 2021 at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in partnership with Delta and United. The program was expanded to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in June the same year. Since then, the program has continued to expand and is available at Los Angeles International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport with Delta Air Lines. The service has also been launched in partnership with United at Los Angeles International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. Passengers traveling with Alaska Airlines through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will also be able to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. TSA is making a major change to ID rules next month (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? TSA PreCheck members traveling with participating airlines, which include Delta, United and Alaska Airlines, can use the Touchless ID program at participating airports. Travelers are required to opt in to Touchless ID. On your airline profile, you must fill out your Known Traveler Number, enter a valid passport number and country and select "OPT IN" on your profile or during check in. Once you have opted in, you will receive a consent indicator on your mobile boarding pass making you eligible for the facial recognition process. Travelers who have opted in to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program must still carry a physical ID as a back-up and are required to present it if asked by a TSA officer. Should you opt-in for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? The TSA encourages opting in to the PreCheck Touchless ID program, claiming it is more convenient, more efficient, more secure, and offers more privacy. A key concern with facial recognition technology is privacy. In the case of the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, participation is voluntary and members can opt out at any time. According to the TSA, the Department of Homeland Security deletes this data within 180 days. The agency states: "TSA officers now use biometric cameras to assist with identity verification. Your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified. Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, nor shared with other entities." However, Joshua McKenty, CEO and co-founder of Polyguard, a cybersecurity company focused on data privacy and protection, suggests the reality is more complicated. 'Should I opt into any government system that uses my biometrics? Guess what—practically speaking, you don't have a choice,' he told AFAR. 'All modern passports and Real ID documents, etc., involve capturing and storing facial biometrics. If you want to travel, you're already rolling the dice here.' McKenty notes that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already use facial biometrics and that while CBP doesn't retain them, the information is stored on the DHS's Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). 'Even if you do opt out of that 'last step,' it probably doesn't change your privacy posture at all,' McKenty explains. 'Photos of permanent residents and foreign nationals are never deleted from IDENT, and the rules on removal of photos of U.S. citizens are increasingly vague.'
Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
TSA will enforce new ID rule for every American within days
New regulations concerning real ID and air travel in the U.S. are set to be implemented on May 7 , and here's a rundown of everything you need to know before they kick in. The news comes amid the TSA issuing passengers with an urgent warning related to documentation. Starting from early May, TSA agents will commence enforcing REAL ID requirements at checkpoints across the country, necessitating passengers aged 18 and above to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another acceptable form of ID. A valid passport, a U.S. passport card, or a permanent resident card remain acceptable forms of ID, and a comprehensive list of acceptable IDs, apart from a REAL ID, can be accessed at: Read More Related Articles Tourists vow to 'never return' to holiday hotspot as soaring prices leave them 'skint' Read More Related Articles Underrated holiday destination with crystal clear waters is number one place to charter a boat this summer As per the US State Department: "The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. On May 7, 2025, you must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Make sure your prepared for any changes made by the TSA "The U.S. passport book and passport card are both REAL ID compliant." If you show up at the airport with an ID that is not included in the list of acceptable forms of identification, you could face additional screening and delays - and there's even a chance you might be denied entry to the security checkpoint, reports The Mirror US . Travelers are encouraged to confirm their ID prior to their trip and arrive ahead of time to circumvent the stress of potential delays. There's a simple way to determine if your ID is in line with the new REAL ID regulations. All compliant driver's licenses and state-issued IDs bear a star at the top of the card - if yours has this, you're all set. If you're still uncertain, you can consult your state's motor vehicle department or visit for more details. In addition, the TSA is introducing the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which employs facial recognition technology to match your face with the photo on your ID. Preparation is key to a stress free travel experience This tech could expedite the check-in process. If your facial scan gets the green light, you might not need to present your ID to a TSA officer at all. This innovative feature is available to travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. The program uses facial recognition to verify your identity, so instead of flashing your license or passport, you simply gaze into a camera that scans your face. If the system successfully matches your face with the photo on record, you'll be ushered to the next stage of security. This eliminates much of the hassle associated with security checks, as there's no need to hand over your ID or rummage through your bag for your passport. However, travelers should still carry their ID card, as security may request to see it. For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . To qualify, passengers must meet the criteria set by the TSA, which includes holding a valid passport and having a flight booked with a participating airline such as Delta, United, or Alaska Airlines. Additionally, passengers must opt in during online or mobile check-in with their respective airline. Currently, this technology is only available at select airports: Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK and LGA), Washington, D. C, (DCA), Chicago (ORD), Salt Lake City (SLC), Las Vegas (LAS), and Newark (EWR). For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Facial recognition at airports: 9 things to know before you get in line
HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you've flown recently or plan to travel soon, then you may notice something different at airport security checkpoints: cameras that scan your face. This is part of a new rollout from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It's called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, and it uses facial recognition technology to match your face to the photo on your ID. If everything checks out, then you may not need to hand your ID to a TSA officer at all. Sounds high-tech? It is. It's also raising important questions about privacy, choice and how the government uses technology in public spaces. Here's what's happening, what it means for you, and what to watch out for. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a new option available for travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. The program uses facial recognition to confirm who you are. Instead of showing your license or passport, you simply look into a camera. If the system matches your face with the photo on file, a TSA officer gives you the go-ahead and you move on to the next part of security. There's no passing over your ID and no digging through your bag for your passport. You'll still need to bring your ID, though, just in case the system needs backup. TSA officers may still ask to see it. You must meet certain requirements to try TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Here's what you'll need: Purchase a TSA PreCheck membership. A valid passport. A flight booked with a participating airline (Delta, United, or Alaska Airlines). To opt in during online or mobile check-in with your airline This technology isn't available everywhere, yet. So far, it's being used in busy airports like:Los Angeles (LAX). Atlanta (ATL). New York (JFK and LGA). Washington, D.C. (DCA). Chicago (ORD). Salt Lake City (SLC). Las Vegas (LAS). Newark (EWR). Check your mobile boarding pass. If you see a special marker for Touchless ID, then you're set to try the facial recognition lane. For now, the answer is yes. TSA indicated that using facial recognition is optional. If you choose not to participate, then you can ask for a traditional identity check. You'll still go through security like everyone else, just with a person instead of a camera. But recent reports show it might not always feel optional. Some travelers have said they felt pressured to use it or didn't realize they could say no. Others didn't see clear signs explaining their rights. A group of United States senators instigated a formal investigation into the program's rollout and training practices. They're concerned that travelers may not be getting enough clear information or enough of a real choice. On the TSA website, the agency indicated this technology makes travel: Faster by shortening wait times. More convenient by reducing the need to handle documents. More secure by helping spot fake IDs or imposters. Less risky during flu season or other outbreaks, thanks to less contact. Facial recognition is also part of TSA's bigger push to use biometrics. According to the TSA website, things like your face, fingerprint or eye scan have the ability to improve security across the board. And it's not just about convenience. TSA sees facial recognition as a tool for closing security gaps that could be used by people with fake IDs or bad intentions. This is where the conversation gets more serious. TSA's website claims the government does not store photos taken at the checkpoint. Once your face is matched and you're cleared, the image is deleted immediately, unless the system is in a special test mode (which is rare and clearly marked). The agency's website said: Photos are not used for law enforcement or surveillance. The system is not connected to any police or immigration database. No photos are used outside the checkpoint process. But many people, including lawmakers, aren't convinced. Senators from both parties are now demanding more oversight. They want the Department of Homeland Security to: Prove that facial recognition is more effective than existing systems. Show it does not create bias or unfair errors. Protect the public's personal data and privacy. Provide clear ways for travelers to opt out. Like all technology, facial recognition isn't perfect. The TSA has reported a 3% false negative match rate in identity checks. That means the system sometimes fails to match a face to the ID photo, even when it should. If this happened on a large scale, it could mean thousands of mismatches a day. Studies have also shown that facial recognition can be less accurate for people with darker skin tones, women and older adults. This has raised equity concerns about who is most likely to be wrongly flagged. The TSA website said it's using top-rated systems that follow federal accuracy and fairness standards. But lawmakers want independent reviews to make sure these systems work equally well for all travelers. Right now, children under 18 are not photographed using facial recognition; so, traditional ID checks are still used for minors. TSA is also starting to test digital driver's licenses that are stored on smartphones at some checkpoints. This means that in the future, your phone and your face might be all you need to travel. But those systems are also in early stages and come with their own set of privacy and security questions. During test periods, TSA may collect and analyze some traveler data. They said this data is anonymized, encrypted and deleted within two years. Facial recognition at airports is growing quickly. TSA plans to expand the technology to more than 430 airports across the U.S. That means it could become the default way we verify identity at the airport. But even as the system spreads, questions remain: Is this really about safety, or is it also about surveillance? Will opting out stay easy, or will pressure to comply increase? Can TSA guarantee fairness and privacy as the system grows? Some lawmakers warn that facial recognition, if left unchecked, could become a nationwide biometric database that's built without public debate or congressional approval. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) said it clearly: 'This program could become one of the largest federal surveillance databases overnight.' Whether you're excited about the new tech or concerned about privacy, here's what you can do: Stay informed: Read signs at the checkpoint and ask questions. Know your rights: You can say 'I choose to opt out' at any time. Check your airline account: Make sure your TSA PreCheck info is up to date. Talk to your kids: Let younger travelers know what to expect. Watch for changes: As this system expands, rules and tools may change, too. Facial recognition is already here. The question is: how should it be used? As airports turn to more advanced technology, travelers must be part of the conversation. Whether you're flying to a neighbor island or across the continent, you deserve to know how your information is used and to decide what's best for you and your ʻohana. For more, click to learn more about PreCheck Touchless ID, for more information on facial recognition technology, for more information on facial recognition technology at LAX, for more information on TSA's evaluation of digital identity technology, for more information on Sen. Merkley's letter, for more information on the letter to TSA from 12 U.S. senators and for more information on questions being raised about privacy. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Here's what's changing, how it works and what you should know before stepping into the new face-first future of airport travel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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