Document Reveals No Opt-Out for Facial Recognition Scans
A newly disclosed internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document, obtained by investigative outlet 404 Media, confirms that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not permit individuals to opt out of facial recognition scans via its Mobile Fortify app. The document, titled a Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA), outlines that the app collects facial data for 15 years, including that of U.S. citizens, with no provision for individuals to consent or refuse the process.
The PTA, which is part of DHS’s process for deploying new technologies, is meant to assess potential privacy risks. The memo was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It reveals that both ICE and CBP are using the app to scan individuals in the field to verify citizenship status. The document states that any facial photos collected by the app will be stored for 15 years, raising concerns about data retention and privacy.
Privacy advocates and civil liberties groups have expressed alarm over the lack of consent and the extended data retention period. They argue that the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement raises significant ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding the potential for misuse and the lack of oversight. The absence of a opt-out mechanism has sparked debates about the balance between national security and individual rights.
The report highlights the growing use of biometric technology by federal agencies and the need for transparency and accountability in its deployment. As the technology becomes more prevalent, the public and policymakers are increasingly calling for stricter regulations to protect personal data and ensure that individuals’ rights are not compromised.
With the release of this internal memo, the issue of facial recognition scans by ICE has gained more attention, potentially influencing ongoing legislative and regulatory discussions about the use of such technologies in the United States.