Audit Investigation Uncovers Insights on TSA’s Facial Recognition Technology: What You Need to Know

The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security is now reviewing how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses facial recognition at airports. This follows growing concerns from lawmakers and privacy advocates.

Joseph Cuffari, the Homeland Security Inspector General, informed a group of US Senators that his office has initiated this audit in a letter sent last Friday.

“We have heard the concerns mentioned in your letter and will include them as we plan our work,” Cuffari said. He is one of the few Inspectors General to remain after recent changes in leadership.

Cuffari added that the audit aims to assess how effectively TSA’s facial recognition technology enhances security screenings, identifies suspects, verifies traveler information, and safeguards passenger privacy.

This letter was sent to Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who led a group of Senators requesting an audit of the TSA’s technology last November. Merkley expressed concern, saying, “Americans don’t want a national surveillance state. Yet, many are scanned at the airport without an option to opt-out.” He emphasized the need for stronger oversight from Congress.

The TSA has been testing facial recognition technology for several years. In 2023, a pilot program using a system from Idemia was launched at 25 airports. The agency plans to roll out this technology to up to 430 airports in the coming decade. This has raised alarms among privacy groups and elected officials.

In response to the pilot program, Merkley and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the Traveler Privacy Protection Act in November 2023. This bill aimed to halt the expansion of facial recognition use and required Congressional approval for any future trials. However, it did not make it out of committee.

While Cuffari’s office has not detailed what the audit will cover, the Senators’ original letter included clear requests. They wanted a thorough evaluation, focusing on whether the system speeds up screenings, catches known terrorists, leads to fewer staff, or if it’s just “security theater” with frequent errors.

The TSA declined to comment further, only confirming that the audit is underway. They did share a fact sheet and a press release highlighting an award from Forbes Travel Guide for their facial recognition efforts, claiming an accuracy rate of 99.7 percent.

With around 2.9 million travelers taking to the skies daily in the US, even a small error margin can lead to issues. If all were scanned, an accuracy rate of 99.7 percent would still mean about 8,700 misidentifications each day.