Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have introduced the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023, a bill aimed at safeguarding Americans from involuntary facial recognition screenings conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports across the country. The bill seeks to repeal the TSA's authorization to use facial recognition technology and prevent the agency from further exploiting this invasive practice.

Speaking about the bill, Senator Kennedy stated, "Every day, TSA scans thousands of Americans' faces without their permission and without making it clear that travelers can opt out of the invasive screening. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would protect every American from Big Brother's intrusion by ending the facial recognition program." Senator Merkley added, "The TSA program is a precursor to a full-blown national surveillance state. Nothing could be more damaging to our national values of privacy and freedom. No government should be trusted with this power."

Despite the TSA claiming that their facial recognition program is voluntary, many passengers are unaware of their ability to opt out. Furthermore, the TSA does not effectively inform travelers about this option at its checkpoints. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 aims to rectify this situation by requiring explicit congressional authorization for the TSA to use facial recognition technology in the future. It also seeks to immediately ban the TSA from expanding its pilot facial recognition program and to compel the agency to dispose of all facial biometrics collected during the pilot program.

The bill has garnered support from other senators as well. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have all cosponsored the legislation.

The full text of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 can be found [here](link).

This bill highlights growing concerns about the use of facial recognition technology and its potential impact on individuals' privacy. As the debate around surveillance and personal data intensifies, it is crucial for lawmakers to address these issues and protect the rights of citizens.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=FA4A0A3C-3383-4FC4-BB05-D6905A75B45D