U.S. to Expand Facial Recognition For International Travelers 

Key Points

• The U.S. will require facial recognition for all non-citizens entering and exiting the country at land borders, airports, and seaports, starting December 26.
• The rule expands biometric data collection to include fingerprints and applies facial recognition to travelers under 14 and over 79, who were previously exempt.
• While DHS claims the measure will not harm tourism or the economy, privacy advocates have raised concerns about accuracy and potential bias in facial recognition technology.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is expanding facial recognition requirements for all non-U.S. citizens entering and exiting the country, covering land borders, airports, and seaports. The new rule, effective December 26, also allows for the collection of additional biometric data such as fingerprints and removes age exemptions for travelers under 14 and over 79. While DHS contends the policy will streamline border processes without harming tourism, privacy groups have expressed concerns about potential misidentification and data privacy risks.