Opting Out of Facial Recognition at Airports: A Step-by-Step Guide for Americans

Facial recognition technology is increasingly being deployed at U.S. airports, with over 230 facilities currently using it to scan travelers' faces before they board flights, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While the government touts the technology as a means to streamline the boarding process and reduce reliance on paper tickets, concerns about privacy, data collection, and algorithmic bias persist.

The facial recognition system, which began rolling out in 2018 with airlines like Delta and JetBlue, aims to verify passengers boarding international flights. The scans taken by airlines are sent to the government for cross-referencing against watchlists, including individuals who may have overstayed their visas. However, there are significant concerns about the accuracy of these systems, particularly regarding their performance with nonwhite faces, as highlighted by independent testing. Technical issues have also plagued the rollout, raising questions about the reliability of the technology.

One of the primary concerns surrounding facial recognition is the handling and retention of scanned data. While airlines collect the scans, the data is forwarded to CBP, which can retain the photos for varying lengths of time—ranging from a few hours to several decades—depending on the individual's citizenship status. This information can be stored across multiple government databases, accessible to border agents during international travel.

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders), opting out of facial recognition is a straightforward process, albeit one that may not always be obvious at airports. CBP's website states that U.S. citizens can request alternative processing if they do not wish to participate in facial scans. This alternative typically involves a manual review of travel documents by border agents.

However, travelers must be vigilant, as there may be limited or unclear signage regarding the opt-out option. It's important to notify an airline employee or border agent when faced with a facial recognition scan. This process may need to be repeated multiple times throughout the airport journey until boarding. For domestic flights, anyone can opt out of facial recognition, while non-citizens and permanent residents must undergo facial recognition checks for departing international flights. Exceptions exist for certain individuals, such as Canadian citizens who do not need a visa to enter the U.S. and some diplomatic visa holders.

As facial recognition technology becomes increasingly common in U.S. airports, it is vital for travelers to stay informed about their rights and the implications of this system. Although it is marketed as a tool to enhance convenience and efficiency for boarding flights, the potential impact on individual privacy and data security cannot be overlooked. This technology raises significant ethical questions regarding how personal data is collected, stored, and used, especially considering the vulnerabilities associated with biometric data, which is inherently unique and irreplaceable.

Travelers must exercise vigilance if they wish to opt out of facial recognition scans, particularly as the signs and notifications around airports may not always be clear or accessible. It's crucial for individuals to recognize that opting out is their right, and they should feel empowered to request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by airport personnel. This process not only protects personal privacy but also fosters a culture of accountability in the implementation of such surveillance technologies.

Moreover, the concerns extend beyond individual privacy; they encompass broader societal implications. As the government partners with airlines to use facial recognition technology, it raises questions about how data is shared and retained. The fact that the government can hold onto these images for varying lengths of time, depending on the traveler's citizenship status, amplifies the need for strict data protection measures and transparent policies that prioritize the rights of individuals over the interests of corporations and government agencies.

In light of these concerns, it becomes increasingly important for travelers to advocate for clearer communication from airports regarding facial recognition policies. This includes ensuring that information about opting out is readily available and easily understood. Additionally, digital rights organizations and privacy advocates play a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for regulations that safeguard individual privacy against intrusive technologies.

Ultimately, understanding the opt-out process and being proactive about one's rights will help ensure that individual privacy rights are respected in the evolving landscape of air travel. As facial recognition technology continues to proliferate, fostering public discourse around its implications will be essential in shaping a future where privacy and security can coexist in harmony. By remaining informed and engaged, travelers can influence the development of more equitable practices that prioritize personal freedoms in an increasingly surveilled world.