TSA says this is an optional program for travelers on domestic flights, while some foreign nationals may have to participate to be allowed on international flights.
Theoretically, there should be visible signage that notifies travelers they can proceed through airport security without doing the facial scan. In reality, not everyone will see the sign ― and it might not be in a language that a traveler understands.
I am one of the travelers who’s been agreeing to get my face scanned in airport security lines for years. But amid alarming reports of travelers experiencing bad treatment from border control officials, I’m reconsidering whether I should be submitting a face scan so easily to the U.S. government.
I approach from the side, put my hand over the camera, and say “no thanks”.
The more obvious it is what I’m doing to the folks in line behind me, the more likely it is that someone else may also opt out.
You want my face? You already get it through fuck knows how many other surveillance systems. Fuck off asking me for one right in front of me when I’m already handing over my damn passport.