TSA Facial Recognition Technology Draws Senate Privacy Challenge

A top privacy advocate in the Senate is pushing to restrict the Transportation Security Administration’s use of facial recognition technology, drawing concerns from the agency and industry about airport security and longer wait times.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) wants to attach language curtailing TSA’s use of facial recognition to a sweeping aviation bill up for Senate consideration this week, he said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg Government. The measure, if adopted, would stymie TSA’s use of the technology to verify traveler identities, which it says is more efficient and secure than traditional ID checks by checkpoint officers.

Merkley said ...