Senator Jeff Merkley, a leading advocate for privacy in the Senate, is looking to impose restrictions on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition technology. This has raised concerns from both the agency and industry, as it could impact airport security and potentially lead to longer wait times for passengers.
In an interview with Bloomberg Government on Tuesday, Senator Merkley expressed his intention to introduce language in a broad aviation bill currently under consideration in the Senate. This language would specifically limit TSA’s ability to utilize facial recognition technology for verifying traveler identities. The agency has argued that this technology is more efficient and secure than traditional ID checks conducted by checkpoint officers.
If Senator Merkley’s proposed measure is passed, TSA’s use of facial recognition technology would be significantly hindered. This has sparked a debate around the balance between security measures and personal privacy, with some arguing that efficiency and security should not come at the expense of individual rights.
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