Senators move to ban TSA’s facial recognition screenings – By Edward Graham (Nextgov) / Nov 30, 2023
The bipartisan proposal cited concerns about the government’s collection of biometric data.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation this week to block the Transportation Security Administration from using facial recognition technology at U.S. airports, due to concerns about the agency’s collection of biometric data from travelers.
The lawmakers said their proposal — known as the Traveler Privacy Protection Act — would “empower travelers in the United States with control over their privacy” in response to TSA’s pilot of a facial recognition screening program.
The bill was introduced on Wednesday by Sens. John Kennedy, R-La., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and is co-sponsored by Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
