US Enhances Tracking with Expanded Facial Recognition at Borders
In a bold move towards stricter border control, the US has announced the expansion of facial recognition technology to track non-citizens entering and leaving the country. According to The Guardian, this initiative aims to address visa overstays and passport fraud more efficiently.
The New Regulation
The new regulation, set to take effect on December 26, enables US border authorities to photograph non-citizens at airports, seaports, land crossings, and any point of departure. This is an expansion from an earlier pilot program and includes potential submission of additional biometrics such as fingerprints and DNA.
Expansion to All Age Groups
Traditionally exempted from such scrutiny, children under 14 and the elderly over 79 will now also be subject to facial recognition. This expansion reflects a broader effort by the government to tighten immigration controls and reduce illegal entries.
Privacy Concerns and Challenges
The increased use of facial recognition has sparked privacy worries among watchdog groups, concerned about potential misuse and errors. A report by the US Commission on Civil Rights highlights a tendency for the technology to misidentify minority groups, fueling the debate about its accuracy and ethical implications.
Legislative Background
The issue of visa overstays isn’t new; Congress mandated an automated entry-exit system back in 1996, yet it remains only partially implemented. Current estimates suggest that approximately 42% of the 11 million undocumented immigrants are overstayers.
Current and Future Plans
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already utilizes facial recognition for all commercial air entries. The aim is to have a fully operational biometric system for both entry and exit at all commercial airports and seaports within the next three to five years.
The Introduction of such measures marks a significant development in the realm of border security and immigration control, promising enhanced efficiency but necessitating careful consideration of privacy impacts.
