Protecting privacy is our priority.
At CBP, we are relentless in our mission to safeguard our borders and the privacy of our citizens. Hosted within a secure cloud-based environment, facial comparison software does not store biographic data for any travelers. CBP retains U.S. citizen photos for no more than 12 hours after identity verification, and only for continuity of operations purposes. CBP enrolls in-scope non-U.S. citizen travelers in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System (IDENT) as a biometric confirmation of arrival.
Our traveler identity verification process is not a surveillance program. Surveillance programs involve cameras that are hidden and out of sight, capturing video of people when they are in public spaces and completely unaware or informed. Our process is out in the open and signage in clear language is displayed where all passengers and travelers can see them and stay informed about the process and technology.
Our policies on privacy are transparent. We adhere to all applicable DHS policy, legal privacy rules, and regulations, as well as the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which prohibits CBP from conducting or sponsoring an information collection or requiring a person to respond to this information unless a current, valid OMB control number and an expiration date exist. The OMB control number for CBP’s collection is 1651-0138 which expires on September 30, 2024.
Opt-out provisions: U.S. citizens who do not wish to submit to facial photo capture pursuant to these processes may request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by a CBPO.
In the end, CBP hopes that travelers will choose to enjoy the many benefits of Biometric Facial Comparison-including the time it saves and how easy and smooth it makes the travel experience.