Overview
Introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), S.1691 limits how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses facial recognition and matching technology at airport screening locations.
Key Provisions
- Consent Required: The TSA may use facial recognition only to verify passenger identity, must notify passengers before each use, and must receive affirmative express consent.
- Opt-Out Rights: Passengers who opt out must be verified with an approved identification document, without collecting biometric information.
- No Surveillance: The bill prohibits using the technology to track passengers outside screening, systemic wide-scale monitoring, or sharing collected biometric information.
- Trusted Traveler Programs: Global Entry and similar members must be given notice at enrollment, renewal, and at the point of verification, with an opt-out option.
Status: Introduced May 8, 2025 and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Committee meeting held July 30, 2025.