Chicago O’Hare International Airport recently announced it will begin using facial recognition biometric exit technology to assist the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Biometrics is the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s physical characteristics.
The technology uses a photo gallery to determine whether a person’s live photograph matches the one on documents submitted to the CBP. If the photo taken at boarding matches a passport, the person won’t be considered for biometrics at exit.
“Through our consultations with the airlines and airport stakeholders, and based on the success of several pilots, CBP determined that facial recognition was a viable exit solution,” John Wagner, deputy executive assistant commissioner, Office of Field Operations, said. “With the expansion of this technology we will be looking at different flights, airports, lighting conditions, and internal IT configurations to demonstrate to our stakeholders that this solution is flexible, reliable and easy for travelers to use.”
The technology also is used at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Airlines JetBlue and Delta are collaborating with CBP to test facial recognition technology at three airports that would allow travelers to board with a boarding pass.
The Department of Homeland Security records the arrival and departure of non-U.S. citizens through biometrics based on legislative mandates. This began with digital fingerprint screenings in 2004.