CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION EXPECTS BROAD EXPANSION OF BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IN 2019
January 7, 2019
CBP is planning to accelerate the introduction of its biometric technology program, the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT), next year. Under the program, biometric facial recognition technology is used to identify travelers using a complex algorithm that recognizes each person’s unique facial characteristics. CBP has stated that the technology is 98% effective and is more secure than traditional ID/passport verification protocols. Digital fingerprint technology is also utilized in some cases.
In support of the rollout, CBP has coordinated with a number airports (DFW, LAX, MSP, MCO, IAD and ATL) and airlines (Southwest, United, American, Delta and JetBlue). The agency currently has pilot programs already underway at JFK, IAH, ORD, IAD, ATL and BOS. In partnership with CBP, airlines have made a commitment to purchase the technology which both CBP and the airlines can then use for ID verification purposes.
At ATL, Delta has partnered with the airport and CBP to implement a curb-to-gate biometric screening process through which passengers can check in, check luggage and have their ID verified by TSA–all by using facial recognition technology. Delta has stated that the technology can save nine minutes during the boarding process.
Outside the U.S., airports in Singapore, Amsterdam, Aruba, China and Japan have also implemented facial recognition technology. CBP has stated that it hopes to have facial recognition boarding at all U.S. airports serving international flights within three to four years. If you are interested in obtaining more information on how you or a foreign airport can be included in this program, please contact us.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Alexander Matthews (amatthews@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6633).
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