Washington (June 22, 2018) - Today, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) released the following joint statement regarding Orlando International Airport’s recent commitment to use facial recognition technology on all international travelers traveling through their airport.

“The Department of Homeland Security previously indicated its intention to begin a formal rulemaking process for the biometric exit program at U.S. airports this year. Before expanding the program, DHS should complete this formal rulemaking process to address critical privacy and security concerns. American travelers deserve to know exactly who has access to their facial recognition data, how their information will be safeguarded, and how they can opt out of the program altogether.”

The Senators previously raised questions regarding the use of this biometric facial recognition software, including writing two letters to the Department of Homeland Security. Those letters from December 2017 and May of 2018 can be found here and here, respectively.

###