Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3361

Introduced
11/29/23  

Caption

Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023

Impact

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1691

Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025

US HB5949

Protecting Gun Owners’ Privacy Act of 2023

US SB3325

Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act

US HB3448

American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2023

US HB6266

Federal Protective Service Reform Act of 2023

US HB5856

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023

US HB7926

Airline Travelers Right to Know Act

US SB4701

POST Act of 2024 Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers Act of 2024

US SB490

Protecting Americans’ Privacy Act of 2025

US HB6157

Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act

Similar Bills

VA SB741

Facial recognition technology; authorized uses.

VA HB1339

Facial recognition technology; redefines, local law enforcement and campus police to utilize.

VA HB1339

Facial recognition technology; redefines, local law enforcement and campus police to utilize.

WV SB688

Providing for 4th Amendment Restoration Act

CA AB1281

Privacy: California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018.

NJ A5616

Requires AG to study law enforcement use of facial recognition technology and issue report with recommendations for Statewide policy.