The enactment of SB3361 would significantly amend existing laws governing airport security and biometric data management. Specifically, it would prevent the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using facial recognition technologies and mandates the disposal of any biometric data collected using such technologies within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This represents a major shift in the TSA’s current operational capabilities and aims to reinforce the importance of ethical considerations in data management.
Summary
SB3361, known as the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023, aims to prohibit the use of facial recognition technology in airports. This legislation arises from increasing concerns around privacy and surveillance in public spaces, especially in transportation hubs where vast numbers of individuals pass through frequently. By restricting this technology's implementation without explicit congressional authorization, the bill seeks to protect travelers from undesirable data collection practices that are often unregulated and opaque.
Contention
While supporters laud the bill for its robust commitment to protecting traveler privacy, critics argue that the lack of facial recognition technology could hinder security measures at airports. Some stakeholders suggest that this technology, when used responsibly and transparently, can enhance safety and operational efficiency. Thus, the bill's provision that any future use of this technology would require congressional approval has become a contentious aspect of the discussion, pitting civil liberties against perceived security needs.