Could Biometrics Make Skies Safer?

WASHINGTON -- Airport security officials are considering emerging technology, notably biometric tools like iris scans and facial recognition software, to validate passengers as the next step in ensuring safe and convenient travel in the post- September 11 world.

Three experts discussed emerging technologies for aviation security at a forum Wednesday hosted by the Council on Competitiveness, an industry group that promotes commercial innovation. All three acknowledged that while biometrics is an imperfect science, it holds significant potential for enhancing security in airports.

Fingerprint recognition is the most commonly known form of biometric technology, which involves measuring a human physical characteristic, digitizing it, and matching it against a database. Biometrics is already used in law enforcement, and many believe it should be used in airports.

"We need a security system that is meaner and leaner, and to keep security tight without cutting off circulation," said Tom Kinton, aviation director of the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Restoring public trust is critical to the airline industry, Kinton said, in particular for frequent business travelers, whom he called "the lifeblood of this industry."

Advance Screening Proposed

Biometric technology offers a way to increase security while maintaining convenience and privacy, said Jim Dullum, managing director of Electronic Data Systems.

"It's time now to take aviation security to the next level," he said. "It's time to arm our security personnel with information."

Under a voluntary "trusted traveler" program geared toward frequent fliers, passengers would register with a questionnaire providing information similar to a credit card application, Dullum explained. A background check would include law enforcement information and travel history, and would be updated periodically. Finally, biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, and facial features would be captured on a "smart card," giving the passenger the privilege of bypassing long lines at airports. A fee might be charged for participation in such a program.

Dullum contends the trusted traveler option would not breach privacy rights because it would consist of a citizen purchasing a service, rather than an invasive or clandestine technique of law enforcement.

"The idea is to pay for the privilege of convenience," Dullum said. More than 70 percent of surveyed fliers, as well as many pilots and flight attendants, are in favor of such a program, he added. Also, travelers in general have expressed interest in biometrics as a security measure.

How Dependable?

Some privacy advocates are unconvinced. Kate Rears, a policy analyst for the Electronic Privacy Information Center, says such a "voluntary" system might result in a stigma against people who choose not to get the card.

"We would first argue for trying all the other possible routes of security, like reinforcing cockpit doors and making sure airport employees are well compensated," she said.

Privacy concerns aside, the technology itself is far from infallible, said Dennis Carlton, a representative of the International Biometric Group.

"The bottom line is, it's hard to take one of us analog human beings and digitize us in any way. Every time you put your fingerprint on a piece of glass, to a computer it looks different," Carlton said. "There is no such thing as a perfectly accurate biometric."

Some kind of trusted traveler program would be an effective security measure despite the challenges, Carlton noted, adding that facial recognition technology shows promise. Despite the kinks in the proposal, implementing such a system could be a powerful deterrent, he said.