CBP initiates facial recognition technology at Detroit Metro Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has initiated Simplified Arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) as a means of modernizing international arrivals by matching travelers to documents using face comparison technology.

CBP is committed to implementing an integrated biometric entry-exit process providing benefits to air travel partners while meeting the security mandate for a biometric entry-exit system.

CBP built a face biometric matching service that involved the creation of an ecosystem supporting face comparison technology throughout the international passenger journey to include biometric exit, entry, and other passenger services.

The technology was chosen because it seamlessly integrates into the airport environment and is easy to use for travelers and facilitates the flow of legitimate travel.

An added benefit is that face comparison technology strengthens National Security by reducing the risk an imposter uses a lost or stolen travel document to enter or exit the country, enabling CBP officers to focus on the traveler interview rather than administrative tasks.

As part of the agency’s commitment to privacy obligations, CBP officials published several Privacy Impact Assessments, employ strong technical security safeguards and limit the amount of personally identifiable information used in the new biometric process.

Citizens that do not wish to have their photograph taken may request alternative means of processing and CBP will delete photographs collected via the process within 12 hours.