The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport has recently implemented new technology aimed at enhancing security measures. Known as “credential authentication technology,” this system is currently being introduced at airports nationwide. It involves travelers inserting their ID card into a machine, which also takes a photo of them. The purpose of this system is to ensure that the person on the ID matches the individual attempting to board a plane.
According to Linda Farbstein, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), privacy concerns have been addressed. The TSA does not retain any of the photos taken and travelers have the option to decline the use of this new technology if they are uncomfortable. Farbstein emphasized that the primary goal is to validate the authenticity of IDs and confirm the identity of passengers.
During a demonstration at the Rochester airport, the system successfully detected a tampered driver’s license as invalid, a task that would be difficult for human eyes to achieve. Farbstein explained that the technology enables quick and accurate determinations regarding the legitimacy of IDs. Travelers are reminded, however, to still check-in with their airline in advance and present their boarding pass at the gate before boarding.
As Memorial Day approaches, travelers can expect high volumes of people at airports across the country. Bart Johnson, Federal Security Director for Upstate New York advised travelers to arrive early at their airport in order to avoid long lines and delays due to increased security measures in place for holiday weekend travelers
