posted in Technology
DHS Inspector General Finds That TSA is Not Properly Safeguarding Passenger Facial Recognition Data
www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/10/dhs-inspector-general-finds-tsa-not-properly-safeguarding-passenger-facialposted in Technology
DHS Inspector General Finds That TSA is Not Properly Safeguarding Passenger Facial Recognition Data
www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/10/dhs-inspector-general-finds-tsa-not-properly-safeguarding-passenger-facialReplying to @NightOwl@lemmy.ca
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.
Replying to @NekoKoneko@lemmy.world
I opt out every time and without fail get “randomly” selected for additional screening, for this I always give them double birds during the additional screening.
Replying to @diablomnky@lemmy.world
I fuck with airport security screens as much as possible. My latest is to show up an hour early with a couple of butter knives I ‘borrowed’ from previous flights. I have a collection from airlines from around the world so I match my upcoming carrier when I can. Watching those apes struggle to verify if my completely blunt, clearly approved butter knives are somehow restricted is worth the lost time.
My favorite is when they claim they’re forbidden and I get to pose the obvious objection: if they’re restricted due to posing a safety hazard, why is it acceptable that I’ll get one anyhow on my upcoming flight? How is that identical butter knife safer?
Replying to @diablomnky@lemmy.world
I opt out every time and have never gotten randomly selected for additional screening. Maybe you’re getting profiled in another way?
Replying to @qqq@lemmy.world
Possibly, although I doubt it. I’m your average white guy with pre-check using a Global Entry ID. So I got all their extra vetting done and I suspect this is just harassment for knowing my rights.