The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport has recently introduced new technology aimed at enhancing security measures. Known as “credential authentication technology,” this system involves travelers inserting their ID card into a machine, which also takes a photo of them. The purpose of this system is to ensure that the person on the ID matches the individual attempting to board a plane.
According to Linda Farbstein, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), privacy concerns have been addressed. The TSA does not retain any of the photos taken and travelers have the option to decline the use of this new technology if they are uncomfortable. Farbstein emphasized that the primary goal is to validate the authenticity of IDs and confirm the identity of passengers.
During a demonstration at the Rochester airport, the system successfully detected a tampered driver’s license as invalid, a task that would be difficult for human eyes to achieve. Farbstein explained that the technology enables quick and accurate determinations regarding the legitimacy of IDs. Travelers are reminded, however, to still check-in with their airline in advance and present their boarding pass at the gate before boarding.
As Memorial Day approaches, travelers are advised to expect high volumes of other travelers at airports nationwide. According to Bart Johnson, Federal Security Director for Upstate New York, this upcoming holiday weekend is expected to be one of
