DHS Inspector General Finds That TSA is Not Properly Safeguarding Passenger Facial Recognition Data

If you are at a US airport, you will be made to feel like you need to scan your face. The TSA agent will say, “look at the camera” like there’s no choice. You don’t need to. Always just say “opt-out.” That’s all you need to do.

They will check your ID and use their eyeballs to compare it to your face, taking all of 10 extra seconds, and safeguarding your privacy a little bit more.

These types of security issues are inevitable, and the only way to win this game is to not play.

From the article:

Reminder: Opting Out of TSA Photos Is Possible Given that facial recognition technology is prone to mistakes, combined with the OIG’s audit revealing significant privacy weaknesses, it is imperative that travelers remember that opting out is possible. TSA’s own website emphasizes that travelers who wish to decline to have their photo taken for facial comparison can do so without any delay, disruption, or recourse.

As I witnessed today, even just stating that you are opting out is not enough. You must ensure, of your own accord, that the camera is not directed at you when you approach the TSA agent, or else it will automatically photograph you.

I’ve also had a TSA agent tell me that I need to tell them I opt out before handing them my ID. This is obviously problematic but that’s just how this shit works today.