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Traveler Privacy Protection: Limiting Facial Recognition at Airports

This act aims to limit the use of facial recognition technology at airports to protect citizens' privacy. This means that in most cases, your biometric data will not be collected or stored without your consent, and you will have greater control over how it is used during security checks.
Key points
Limited Use of Facial Recognition: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cannot collect or store your biometric data (e.g., facial scans) without your explicit consent, unless it's essential for document verification.
Opt-Out for Trusted Traveler Programs: If you are part of a trusted traveler program (e.g., Global Entry), you can choose not to use facial recognition for identity verification. Opting out will not result in discriminatory treatment.
Opt-In for General Passengers: If you are not in a trusted traveler program, identity verification will be done using your identification document. You can voluntarily opt-in to use facial recognition technology, but it's not required.
Limited Data Retention: Collected biometric data will only be stored as long as necessary for identity verification, and in most cases, no longer than 24 hours after your scheduled flight departure.
Prohibition on Passive Surveillance: Facial recognition technology cannot be used to track passengers outside of screening locations or for profiling or discrimination.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1691
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2025-05-08