United StatesPublic sector2020 – ongoing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Biometric air-exit facial recognition

CBP removed its 97% air-exit photo-capture requirement after missing the target

Scaled backRegulator, audit or court

Problem

CBP needed biometric departure records to confirm travelers' identities.

Approach

CBP deployed facial recognition with airline partners at departure gates. GAO found that airlines did not consistently photograph travelers. CBP later removed the capture requirement, citing limits on its ability to require airline participation.

Results

97%traveler photo-capture target that operational testing did not meet and CBP subsequently removedRegulator, audit or court[1]

Takeaway

Recognition accuracy did not ensure that travelers were photographed. CBP reduced its formal requirement while the program continued.

Sources

Facial Recognition: CBP and TSA are Taking Steps to Implement Programs, but CBP Should Address Privacy and System Performance Issues
U.S. Government Accountability Office2 Sep 2020Government publication

Source summaries

[1]U.S. Government Accountability Office2 Sep 2020

GAO found that air-exit testing missed the photo-capture target. Its subsequent recommendation update recorded removal of the requirement and closure as not implemented in 2022.

Full details are in the original sources.

Added 1 Nov 2026 · Updated 1 Nov 2026