A bipartisan group of senators has called for restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology at airports across the country through the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The senators, led by Jeff Merkley, John Kennedy, and Roger Marshall, are concerned about the potential privacy and civil rights implications of widespread use of this technology by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In a letter to Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, the senators emphasized the need for rigorous congressional oversight before allowing the TSA to develop and deploy facial recognition tools. They highlighted the importance of protecting privacy and civil liberties while also ensuring that passengers' rights are respected.

The senators raised concerns about the expansion of facial recognition technology at airports, warning that it could lead to violations of privacy and civil liberties. They stressed the need for careful assessment and regulation of facial recognition tools before they are deployed by the TSA to ensure that passengers' rights are protected.

TSA currently relies on facial recognition technology at 84 airports, with plans to expand to more than 400 airports in the future. While the agency argues that the technology is both efficient and accurate, the senators are concerned about the potential consequences of widespread use of facial recognition technology without proper oversight.

The senators urged Schumer and McConnell to seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill to impose restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology by the TSA. They emphasized the need for transparency, public debate, and congressional oversight to address concerns about the adoption of this technology in airports and other public spaces.

The senators warned about the future implications of widespread use of facial recognition technology, cautioning that it could lead to government surveillance of citizens in various public settings. They called on congressional leaders to take action now to prevent the potential abuse of this technology and protect the rights of all Americans.