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Delta's Fully Biometric Terminal Is the First In the US (engadget.com)

In what Delta is calling the first "biometric terminal" in the country, they will reportedly use facial recognition at check-in, security and boarding inside the international terminal at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Engadget reports: Passengers that want to use facial recognition can approach a kiosk in the lobby and click "Look," or approach a camera at the ticket counter, TSA checkpoint or when boarding. Once a green check mark flashes on the screen, they can proceed. Delta -- which plans to introduce fingerprint scanning to fold, too -- says passengers can use this system instead of the passports to get through these checkpoints, but you'll still need your passport for use in other non-biometric-equipped airports (although maybe one day we'll do away with passports altogether). Privacy advocates are concerned about the security risks present in facial scans, especially as it's an opt-out process. Others, however, say it makes air travel a more streamlined process.

27 of 53 comments (clear)

  1. What could possibly go wrong? by Opportunist · · Score: 2

    Knowing Delta's mastery of established technology lets me look forward into a bright future with them embracing the spearhead of bleeding edge technology.

    --signed, Oscar Muñoz, CEO United Airlines.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. Re:Oooh! I just can't wait! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Others, however, say it makes air travel a more streamlined process.

    Trading away privacy due to laziness. It's the American way.

  3. Biometrics are dumb by DalM · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Biometrics are dumb for security. Ultimately, they are even worse than passwords. When someone steals a few million irises from their database, the company can't send out a bulk email telling everyone to change their eyes.

    1. Re:Biometrics are dumb by Nidi62 · · Score: 1

      When someone steals a few million irises from their database, the company can't send out a bulk email telling everyone to change their eyes.

      Good afternoon, Mr. Yakamoto. How did you like that three-pack of tank tops you bought last time you were in?

      --
      The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for it to be pitted against a slightly greater evil
    2. Re:Biometrics are dumb by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

      Biometrics are dumb for security.

      Not only that, but hasn't it been less than 12 hours since there was another story here about all the problems with facial recognition at the airport?

      https://yro.slashdot.org/story...

      It's really bothersome when you see a corporation or an entire industry rush headlong into some new technology even though they know it's rife with problems. It's like they can't stop themselves or something.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    3. Re: Biometrics are dumb by DalM · · Score: 1

      More like, they are more interested in flashy headlines, impressing their board members, and andvertising opportunities than they are interested in actual security.

  4. Caution by markdavis · · Score: 5, Interesting

    >"Delta -- which plans to introduce fingerprint scanning to fold, too"

    Not a fan of this at all, but would flatly refuse if the biometrics used tried to include fingerprints or DNA. Those are two HUGE no-no's- they are left all over the place and can be collected without your permission or knowledge. One is easy to fake and the other can reveal all kinds of information about you*. Iris is also not safe- it is observable from a distance and also fakeable.

    * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
    If you must choose a biometric, make it either retina scan or deep vein palm scan. And even then, should only be used when absolutely essential.

    1. Re: Caution by DalM · · Score: 1

      Biometrics are used at customs, but not as a primary identification source. Your primary source of identification is still your passport.

    2. Re: Caution by mjwx · · Score: 1

      Biometrics are used at customs, but not as a primary identification source. Your primary source of identification is still your passport.

      There are two ways to do biometrics.

      1. Cheap and fast with high error rates.

      2. Accurate but slow and expensive.

      Most places go with option 1 so accept a high level of false positives. I've been going through the biometric terminals at Australian airports, A human doesn't even look at my passport any more when entering Oz. Given that I've never experienced any trouble going through I'm gathering that they accept a high degree of inaccuracy. When doing this, biometrics should never be used as a means of authentication, only a means of identification. In that regard, my passport is my password and I'm responsible for making sure no-one else has it (or if they do, changing it... which is a £300 pain in the arse when you live in the UK).

      --
      Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
    3. Re: Caution by fox171171 · · Score: 1

      Biometrics are used all over the world ... It is necessary today, whether you like it or not.

      Oxygen, water, food. Only things that are necessary. Well, maybe toilet paper.

      If u travel, then get used to it or take the bus or train.

      It will come there next.

    4. Re:Caution by demonlapin · · Score: 1

      Lots of jobs make you get fingerprinted - I'm in healthcare. I said fuck it, if I'm already in the database, I might as well enjoy the benefits. Signed up for a concealed carry permit and Global Entry. I can take a gun just about anywhere I want to, and immigration takes about one minute.

    5. Re:Caution by markdavis · · Score: 1

      >"I said fuck it, if I'm already in the database, I might as well"

      That is how privacy and freedom are lost. Many of us are NOT in "the database" and don't want to be. Do what you will, but please keep in mind that just because it becomes more "norm" doesn't mean it is the right thing to do or that people who resist are somehow backwards, paranoid, or have "something to hide".

      Oh, and many (if not most) CCP/CWP/CHPs don't require fingerprinting.

    6. Re:Caution by demonlapin · · Score: 1

      Maybe your CCP didn’t. Mine did. It was one of the reasons I held out until I was in the database for other reasons. I didn’t like it, but it happened while I was in medical school, and so I could either drop out and try to find a job that coukd pay off a house-worth of loans without having “MD” after my name, or get printed.

      And once you’ve gotten printed, there is no point in not taking advantage of it. You do you.

  5. Sounds like another partial solution by bobstreo · · Score: 1

    If they're doing this to passengers, they should definitely do this for employees and TSA agents. And maybe that one douche bag that works at Starbucks.

  6. Now we know why Delta can't keep their systems up by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 1

    >> herpta derp Biometrics Terminal

    "Who cares about planes taking off when you've got TOYS!" - Delta CEO

  7. Great by DaMattster · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Given corporations' notorious attitude towards security as an afterthought, what happens when the inevitable intrusion occurs and a treasure trove of biometric data gets into the hands of some very bad actors. I think we are really in peak technology at this point and most new solutions aren't solving problems but are solutions looking for problems. I am going to stick to the old fashioned way of simply producing an ID and boarding pass. I can see the advantage of the mobile boarding pass and I do use that but we have recently hit the point where technology ceases to solve problems and may actually be creating more problems.

  8. Re:Oooh! I just can't wait! by jellomizer · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No, we traded our privacy for "Security" then traded "Security" for laziness.

    The key phrase in our national anthem "Land of the free and the home of the brave" For freedom we need to be brave. We are scared, we became less brave, so we gave up our freedom.

    Freedom isn't safe. People will die and be unjustly hurt in a free society. But if we value freedom we need to be brave enough to stand up and say. We know the risks, we choose to face them for our freedom.

    This isn't a problem with any one side of the political system, The Safety argument is used all too often.

     

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  9. Nice Touring Car by sycodon · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Looking at a nice Touring car now. Flying is over rated especially shorter distances.

    You can drive from Austin to Dallas faster than you can fly when you time it from your front door to the hotel door.

    Hell...just the recommend two hour early arrival at the airport gets you half way and more to Dallas.

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
    1. Re:Nice Touring Car by sycodon · · Score: 2

      Car's gonna depreciate no matter how much I drive it. I have a 2006 with ony 80k on it. It's worth the same as any other 2006 in god condition.

      Gas is a fraction of the ticket costs.

      I like driving, no stress. That has everything to do with you and not the traffic

      I'm a good driver.

      Gee...looks like you'll be paying three times as much and getting your face scanned while I'm sitting in the Hotel bar.

      --
      When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
  10. Accuracy? by tflf · · Score: 1

    I agree with the other posters regarding privacy concerns, the inability of major corporations to keep their software secure and up to date, and their inability to protect customer information. But, and correct me if I'm wrong, isn't there an error factor with most versions of facial recognition software? Other news sources claim as high up to a 40 percent error rate.

  11. Re:Oooh! I just can't wait! by Penis++Breath+(TM) · · Score: 1

    Given corporations' notorious attitude towards security as an afterthought, what happens when the inevitable intrusion occurs and a treasure trove of biometric data gets into the hands of some very bad actors. I think we are really in peak technology at this point and most new solutions aren't solving problems but are solutions looking for problems. I am going to stick to the old fashioned way of simply producing an ID and boarding pass. I can see the advantage of the mobile boarding pass and I do use that but we have recently hit the point where technology ceases to solve problems and may actually be creating more problems.

  12. I guess the hackers would know... by mdm-adph · · Score: 1

    ...what my face looks like? Isn't that already public and not private?

    --
    It is by my will alone my thoughts acquire motion; it is by the juice of the coffee bean that the thoughts acquire speed
    1. Re:I guess the hackers would know... by suman28 · · Score: 2

      After the Equifax attack, so is your SSN, DOB, height, weight and everything else about you. Does that mean, you will post all this information on your forehead and challenge people to hack?

  13. fascinating where the priorities lay. by nimbius · · Score: 1

    customer: so i have to pay to check a bag?

    delta: yes, its just too expensive you know, fuel costs and all that.

    customer: and the fuel surcharge from 2006?

    delta: im afraid it has to stay, fuel might go up you know...

    customer: and what about this 9/11 processing fee?

    Delta, dragging an enormous kiosk: Freedom isnt free you know.

    customer: Does that thing ever make a mistake?

    Delta: Not as many as our customers.

    --
    Good people go to bed earlier.
  14. Doubles as a taser by HyperStasis · · Score: 1

    You can check in AND get tased and hauled off before having to walk all the way to the gate!

    1. Re:Doubles as a taser by torkus · · Score: 1

      Pretty sure I used one last week in atlanta. it's at the gate. you scan your boarding pass, walk through the little gate, next person goes. BFD. Why we have gate agents scanning barcodes is beyond me anyhow.

      i have NFI why they're calling this biometric. It's just scanning your barcode ... just like the gate agent does. Protip: unless you're flying international you don't show ID to board a plane.

      Now, you CAN use biometrics in the airport. Clearme (dot com) uses them at their kiosk which bypasses the security line. It's a gimmick using biometrics over ID but who cares? You literally go straight to the xray/rape-i-scan machine. Oh, and if you have precheck you can skip the rape part usually.

      --
      You can get rich if you own a politician, but you have to be rich to buy one in the first place.
  15. Opt-out link by wgoodman · · Score: 1

    How does a person opt out? Does anyone have a link?