More airports are implementing facial recognition into security, creating less congested airports and allowing a faster alternative for passengers, with results taking less than ten seconds. 

Although there can be some positive outcomes from facial recognition being introduced to airports, some believe it can bring security risks.

“Like all computer and digital systems, it is susceptible to the nefarious activities of bad actors who can use remote access to the facial recognition processing system,” Kent State aeronautics professor and lead faculty for aviation management Richmond Nettey said.

There could also be some errors regarding the system itself and potential ways to combat the issue.

“All biometric systems, including facial recognition, carry the risk of false positives and false negatives,” said Steven Bellovin, Columbia University professor and computer networking and security researcher. “Furthermore, there’s a tradeoff: if you improve one metric, you make the other worse.” 

As of now, there is a more positive outlook and minimal issues reported with the technology. 

“[Facial recognition] increased efficiency in passenger processing at airports, which could result in less delay and frustration for both employees at airports and airline passengers,” Nettey said. “It could also eliminate the hassle associated with producing government issued picture identification documents during the passenger screening process at the airport.” 

Denver, Los Angeles and Miami international airports have already implemented this additional security. As this technology is incorporated into more airports, it is only a matter of time before facial recognition becomes more common, advanced and provides an easier pathway for passengers. 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has also begun using facial recognition. With a membership, people can use the Clear Facial Recognition Program. This allows you to arrive at your gate quicker but is only open at specific times during the day. Cleveland Hopkins airport provides two locations for this technology, one being the south checkpoint and the other being the central checkpoint. 

“The TSA is using facial recognition technology for the screening of PreCheck passengers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport,” Nettey said. “United Airlines had used facial recognition for the final boarding process on international flights leaving from Washington Dulles International Airport last year.” 

Kaleb Clark is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].