The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is one of 16 airports around the United States testing facial recognition software as a part of identity verification at TSA checkpoints.
"The Transportation Security Administration is always implementing new innovative technologies and methods to enhance the safety of the flying public," said Clay Williams, the airport's director. "At Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, we are pleased to often be one of the first smaller airports considered when implementing the new passenger safety enhancement measures."
The technology, called Credential Authentication Technology with Camera (CAT-2) — which was implemented at the airport earlier this year — takes a photo of you and compares it with the photo on your license or passport to verify your identity. It then cross references it with the TSA's Secure Flight program, which verifies that you are cleared to fly, according to TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz.
Before the use of this technology, individual TSA agents had to compare travelers to their IDs. With this new technology, TSA agents will still be on hand to make the final call, but according to the TSA, the technology will help reduce contact between TSA officers and passengers, as well as improve the effectiveness of security and make security checkpoints more efficient.
" TSA is exploring facial identification to automate identity verification at airport checkpoints and modernize the screening experience for passengers," TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz said in an email. "Biometric technology has the potential to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and yield a more streamlined passenger experience at what is known as the TDC or Travel Document Checker point before you enter the federal security checkpoint."
Currently the technology is optional, and limited to certain airports. Passengers who chose not to have their face scanned can notify a TSA agent to have their identity and boarding pass checked the standard way.
While the TSA said they currently don't know if or when the pilot program of this technology will expand, a report from the Washington Post says the technology could be expanded to more U.S. airports in 2023.
Some travelers have expressed concerns over privacy issues and bias in the use of technologies that collect biometric information, such as facial recognition software.
According to the TSA, the photos collected on the system are deleted everyday and cannot be taken off the system. As far as accuracy in identifying travelers, the TSA says it can accurately identify people even if they've made minor or drastic changes in their appearance since their driver's license or passport photo was taken.
At this point, the TSA has not released any data about the use of its facial recognition software, but they "continue to monitor these pilots to ensure there is no inherent bias in the technology."
This is not the first time Gulfport has been utilized by the TSA to test new security features, Williams said.
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson was also selected to test this technology. For a full list of all the U.S. airports using this technology, click here.
©2022 The Sun Herald, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
