Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025
Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 — Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would restrict how the TSA uses facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints. Currently, the TSA can use this technology to verify passenger identities during screening. Under this bill, the TSA would need to get passengers' explicit permission before using facial recognition on them. If a passenger declines, the TSA would have to verify their identity using traditional methods—like checking a driver's license—without collecting any biometric data like fingerprints. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects airline passengers and the TSA.
For people enrolled in trusted traveler programs (like Global Entry), the TSA would need to notify them about facial recognition use when they enroll, renew their membership, and again at the airport security checkpoint, with a clear option to opt out. All passengers would receive similar notice and consent requirements before facial recognition technology is used on them. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 1691) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025This bill limits the use of facial recognition or matching technology (e.g., matching and identification software) in airports for passenger screening.In general, the bill restricts the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) use of the technology to performing passenger identity verification at airport screening locations. The TSA must notify passengers prior to each use of the technology and receive affirmative express consent. If a passenger opts out of the use of the technology, then the TSA must perform identity verification using an approved identification document (e.g., a state driver's license) without collecting biometric information (e.g., fingerprints).For a passenger using a trusted traveler program (e.g., Global Entry), the TSA must provide notice on the use of the technology at the time of program enrollment and renewal and as the passenger approaches the point of identity verification. The passenger must have the option to opt out.The bill prohibits the TSA from (1) subjecting a passenger who opts out of the screening to discriminatory treatment or less favorable screening conditions; (2) using the technology to track or identify passengers outside of the screening location or to enable systemic, indiscriminate, or wide-scale monitoring, surveillance, or tracking; and (3) sharing biometric information collected through the use of the technology. The bill also limits the amount of time that the TSA may store the information collected.Further, these restrictions and requirements apply to the TSA's use of the technology in other specified circumstances (e.g., employee screenings).
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.