Biometrics are now a ‘bedrock’ of traveler identification, CBP official says

Federal agencies are increasingly relying on facial recognition to verify the identities of U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, with Customs and Border Protection poised to expand use of its Mobile Passport Control app so travelers can help streamline the verification process.

Biometric technologies are increasingly becoming a go-to identity verification tool for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, with some federal officials saying that the adoption of facial recognition capabilities is currently outpacing the push toward a universal digital identification. 

From airports to ports of entry, agencies have been deploying biometric tools to verify the identities of travelers, with further adoption of these technologies on the way as a result of enhanced government funding. And with the U.S. set to host an influx of visitors for the FIFA World Cup later this year, officials are looking at better ways to quickly and accurately verify identities.

Starting on Dec ...