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Face Scanning In US Airports Is Rife With Technical Problems (engadget.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the technical-difficulties dept.

Homeland Security's Inspector General has issued a report warning that its airport face scanning system is struggling with "technical and operational challenges." The report says that Customs and Border Protection "could only use the technology with 85 percent of passengers due to staff shortages, network problems and hastened boarding times during flight delays," reports Engadget. "The system did catch 1,300 people overstaying their allowed time in the U.S., but it might have caught more -- and there were problems 'consistently' matching people from specific age groups and countries." From the report: The watchdog also pointed out uncertainty about help from airlines, such as requiring them buy the cameras needed for taking passengers' photos. That represents a "significant point failure" for the face scanning system, the Inspector General said. As a result, the oversight body warned that Homeland Security might not make its target of having the face scanning system completely ready for use in the top 20 US airports by 2021.

4 of 62 comments (clear)

  1. Is this really an unexpected outcome...? by Arethan · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Honestly, the US government is well known to blow a ton of cash on flawed technology implementations, even if the specific tech itself is otherwise well established and durable. They bought a recognition technology that doesn't work because #reason -- chalk it up to more wasted spending. The company engaged likely has some political or nepotist tie somewhere. /shrug

  2. How much per person? by ugen · · Score: 3, Interesting

    So 1300 people overstaying their visa (leaving the US at that point, as well - unless we want to put them in jail?). And almost 200 million spent on that program in 2017 alone (with 1 billion planned by 2025) What's the cost per visa overstayer? And what is the benefit to us, as a nation (other than another pork barrel for the DHS and their contractors)

  3. That's why I connect in Guatemala by johnsie · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I've voted with my wallet and try to avoid the US when travelling transatlantic. The experience in US airports is usually horrible. Airports in other countries are often way more relaxed. I'd rather spend my money in countries that treat people with respect.

    1. Re:That's why I connect in Guatemala by DaMattster · · Score: 3, Informative

      Security in the United States is nothing more than theater starring overzealous, badge-got-to-their-heads TSA screening agents whom, more often than not, miss critical items when searching luggage. Many TSA screening agents barely have a high school education and fewer still have advanced degrees. If we were serious about security, it would be professional. Instead, it's a dog and pony show.