Facial recognition could be coming to airport security

Whether it’s going through customs or boarding some international flights, your face is your boarding pass and ID.

In a pilot program at LAX, cameras use biometric facial recognition to match passengers’ unique features to government pictures already on file, including passports and visas.

“The algorithms are so sophisticated that they’re able to determine matches over 99 percent of the time in our testing,” Kevin McAleenan with Customs and Border Protection said.

Most passengers are impressed by the technology.

“It’s quick. I just was afraid it maybe wouldn’t recognize me, but it did and I’m going to London,” one passenger said. “As far as getting through, I like it.”

So far, it seems the E-gates do make it easier for people to get onto the plane and settle in for their long international flights, but some critics argue people may be sacrificing privacy for convenience.

“My concerns are that this technology will be used beyond its current scope. I worry that facial recognition will migrate from airports throughout federal law enforcement, putting the privacy of law abiding Americans at risk,” Matthew Feeney with the CATO Institute said.

Customs and Border Protection maintains the software is secure and, along with facial scans of those who enter the United States at customs, will generate a biometric record of exit from the country, a border security measure mandated by Congress in 2004.

Passengers who feel the E-gates might be too much like Big Brother can opt out and board the traditional way, but Customs and Border Protection said biometric boarding is the future and hopes to have the technology installed at airports around the country within four years.