CBP launches biometric facial recognition at Houston airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently launched biometric facial comparison technology at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport.

The technology is intended to secure and streamline international travel.

CBP has processed more than 43 million travelers using biometric facial technology at various ports of entry and has intercepted more than 250 imposters who tried to enter the United States.

The technology works by comparing a photo taken at an inspection point with a photo the traveler previously provided to the government for a passport or visa. Travelers who cannot be matched are processed manually.

New photos of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours, while photos of foreign citizens are stored in a Department of Homeland Security system.

Travelers may opt-out and will need to show a valid travel document for entry into the United States.

“CBP is committed to working with our partners to ensure that the travel system is secure and efficient,” Judson W. Murdock II, CBP Houston Director of Field Operations, said. “The speed, accuracy, and reliability of facial comparison technology enable CBP officers to confirm a traveler’s identity within seconds while further enhancing the customer experience.”

William P. Hobby Airport is the first Texas airport to equip all international departure gates with the technology.