CBP officials hold second meeting with privacy advocacy groups on biometric entry-exit tracking system

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) representatives met with privacy advocacy groups on Friday to discuss the implementation of the Biometric Entry/Exit Program and public-private partnerships being forged to ensure traveler safety.

Currently, biometric facial recognition technology is being demonstrated at eight airports in the United States. CBP is also partnering with airlines to incorporate the technology into boarding processes at three airports: Hartsfield-Jackson International, John F. Kennedy International, and Boston Logan International.

Numerous pieces of legislation have been enacted that require the Department of Homeland Security to collect biometric information from all international travelers as they enter and exit the United States. Additionally, Executive Order 13780 requires CBP to “expedite the completion of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for in-scope travelers to the United States.”

Friday marked the second time CBP officials have met with privacy advocacy groups. The first meeting came in August.

“CBP has and will continue to engage our privacy office at every step in the process to add biometric to the departure process from the United States,” John Wagner, deputy executive assistant commissioner of the Office of Field Operations, said in August. “We are fully committed to meeting existing privacy laws and regulations while ensuring and safeguarding the privacy of all travelers.”