Biometric Exit Program Spreads Across U.S. Airports, Sparking Privacy Fears

A federal program that tracks the departure of international travelers from the United States by taking their photos is quietly expanding to more airports, fueling concerns about passenger privacy. The Biometric Exit Program, which is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is designed to verify the identity of travelers leaving the country and ensure that they depart within the timeframe allowed by their visas.

The program, which was first launched in 2015, has been gradually rolled out to more airports over the past few years. Currently, it is in use at 26 airports, with plans to expand to 40 airports by the end of the year. Under the program, federal officers take a photo of departing international passengers, which is then compared to a facial recognition scan of the passenger’s image that was captured when they entered the United States.

While the program is touted as a way to enhance national security and streamline the departure process, some civil liberties groups and lawmakers are raising concerns about the impact on passenger privacy. They argue that the program collects and stores sensitive biometric data without adequate safeguards to protect it from misuse or unauthorized access.

“It’s alarming to see the government expanding a program that collects and stores sensitive biometric data on millions of people without a clear understanding of how that data will be used or protected,” said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “The government needs to be transparent about the purpose and scope of this program and provide adequate safeguards to protect passenger data.”

CBP officials say that the program is designed to be secure and that passenger data is protected by robust safeguards. They also argue that the program is voluntary and that passengers can opt out of having their photo taken. However, some critics say that passengers may not be aware of their rights or may feel pressured to participate.

As the program continues to expand, it’s likely that more travelers will be subject to facial recognition scans and photo collection. While the goal of enhancing national security and improving the efficiency of the departure process is understandable, it’s essential that the government balances these interests with the need to protect passenger privacy and ensure that sensitive data is handled responsibly.