It appears Americans are becoming more comfortable with
facial-recognition technology, particularly if it is used to expedite travel or
improve public safety.
The Center for Data Innovation, an independent research
institute that studies the intersection of data, technology and public policy,
conducted an online poll of more than 3,100 adults in the United
States.
Overall, nearly half of all respondents (44.9%) disagree
with this statement: “The government should strictly limit the use of facial-recognition technology.”
And when asked how they feel about limiting the use of the
technology if it means that airports cannot use it to expedite security lines, respondents
show even stronger disagreement, with 54.3% disagreeing with such a limit.
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About the same number also don’t want to limit facial-recognition
usage when it is employed for public safety.
“People are often suspicious of new technologies, but in
this case, they seem to have warmed up to facial-recognition technology quite
quickly,” says Daniel Castro, the center’s director.
“Perhaps most importantly, Americans have made it clear they do not want
regulations that limit the use of facial recognition if it comes at the cost of
public safety.” Castro says this is the first time the center has conducted a survey
on this topic.
Technology in action
In October,
the U.S. Transportation Security Administration released its plan to expand the
use of biometric technology.
In its “Biometrics Roadmap for Aviation Security
and the Passenger Experience,” the agency outlines plans to partner with U.S.
Customers and Border Protection on biometrics for international travelers, increase usage of biometrics for TSA Precheck members, expand biometrics to more domestic travelers
and develop the infrastructure for biometric technology.
In November, Delta Air Lines unveiled a “biometric terminal” at
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that allows customers to use
facial-recognition technology from “curb to gate,” for things such as
self-service check-in, baggage drop and boarding flights.
Delta says it will create a similar terminal at Detroit Metro Airport this
year.