According to new Ipsos data from the U.S. Travel Association, most air travelers (79%) support airport security’s use of biometric technology to confirm the identity of travelers.
Supporters of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of biometrics list stopping terrorism and human trafficking and making airports safer as their top reasons for supporting the technology’s use, followed by increasing travel efficiency and decreasing wait times.
Why It Matters: What About Privacy Concerns?
The use of biometrics in airports is only increasing, which, as with other similar advancements (such as using facial recognition to unlock a cell phone), can mean a smoother, more efficient experience awaits — but at what cost?
Opponents bring up privacy concerns, and the research addressed some safeguards that should be prioritized. According to the study, more than half of Americans will support biometrics at TSA so long as the data is deleted within hours of the trip, is used to stop terrorism and has safeguards in place to ensure the data is not shared with other government agencies.
What They Are Saying: Travelers Agree That Biometrics Will Make Air Travel Safer
"By overwhelming margins, air travelers support TSA’s use of biometric technology at airports to strengthen security and improve the travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Travelers embrace next-generation technology at the same time a small cadre of members of Congress seek to take air travel back to the Dark Ages. Further efforts to harm the travel experience by forcing antiquated approaches upon travelers will have consequences among voters.”
