Business Travelers Weigh Ease of Biometrics Against Privacy Concerns
Photo Credit: The use of biometric information for security is on the rise, but some warn that travelers should be cautious about how their data is used. Pictured here is facial recognition technology used by KLM as part of a test program at Schiphol Airport. KLM
Skift Take
Business travelers are embracing the increasing use of facial-recognition software and fingerprint reading at airports to speed lines, but privacy advocates raise concerns about the security of information and its potential use.
At five airports across the U.S., travelers departing on some international flights are being asked to stick their faces in front of a camera before boarding the plane. The machine takes a photo and compares it with a database of images of people who are supposed to be on the flight. If the software finds a match, the person proceeds to board. If it doesn’t, the traveler gets additional screening from a security officer.
The facial-recognition program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in its pilot stage but likely to expand next year, aims to increase security and keep lines moving. Those are two important goals for harried business travelers.
Corporate travel groups generally have supported the pilot program, while noting that it is in an early stage and that travelers’ personal information has to be tightly guarded. And the U.S. government's pilot program is just one of an increasing number of efforts around the globe to use biometric information for security s
