By request, I’m going to break down the moves that I recommend when opting out of biometric theft and facial recognition, especially at the airport.
Here are some short clips of me opting out at airport security and the gate for reference.
Note, these recommendations are for right now because elements are always changing.
First and foremost, wear a mask. Just to name four right now, the flu, RSV, norovirus and COVID are all peaking around the world. The airport is a crowded hub filled with people going back and forth all over the globe who are not only carrying germs and viruses with them, but more importantly they’re spreading them to others, many of whom have immune systems that are already working overtime without needing to fight the additional attacks that others are spreading.
Additionally, your mask can help deter some of the facial recognition and biometric theft that happens in spaces like the airport. Facial recognition technology has developed rapidly, so you should assume that many algorithms can eventually recognize you even with your mask. Wearing a mask may not stop, but it can help to deter.
There are ubiquitous cameras even before you enter the airport. The next time you are inside an airport, just look up. There are cameras everywhere.
So the foundational basic move is to wear a mask.
Second fact to remember. Cameras at checkpoints are not special cameras that only capture your face. They are like any other camera that has a lens with a wider field of view.
When you look through your camera at a crowd, you are able to see everyone’s face. Checkpoint cameras not only capture the person right in front of it, it also captures the crowd of people standing in line. Keep this in mind when queuing up.
The field of view of the camera does not begin in front of the checkpoint. It is already happening when you enter the airport and continues when you are in line.
So wear that mask and be aware of your surroundings.
Number three, as you’re approaching the checkpoint, never land right in front of the camera. Always approach to the side of it or away from it. If you have to pass in front of the camera, cover your face. You can use your passport, ticket, hand, book, or whatever is available. I recommend doing this even with your mask on. Do not concern yourself with what other people think. Your face being stolen without your consent is more important than what other people think of you as you cover your face.
Do not give the agents anything until after you have told them that you are opting out. Do not give them your ID to scan, do not pull your mask down, do not place yourself in front of the camera.
Number four, notice in the clips above of me opting out, I was already telling them that I was opting out as I approached the checkpoint. Not after I got there, but as I was approaching. Let them know as soon as you can that you want to opt out.
Number five, don’t ask if you can opt out. You don’t need to ask for their permission. Tell them that you are opting out. You are opting out, declining the photo, or you are exercising your right. You can use any number of statements, but they should be statements, not questions.
Tell them, don’t ask them.
Finally, only give them your ID after you’ve told them you’re opting out.
At the beginning of the almost 10 years that I have been opting out of airport facial recognition and biometric theft, they used to give me trouble or often did not even know their own policy.
Now, not only do they know who I am (“Oh, it’s you, the opt-out person.”), but they also know their policy finally. That does not mean they will not lie, but it means they have no excuse.
If they give you trouble, just continue to state the fact that you have a right to opt out.
Be sure to review the specific guidelines on what your rights are to opt out as different citizens in different countries. Not every country gives you the ability to opt out, and not every citizen has access in different countries.
Feel free to also download and print out this pocket guide I created that has TSA’s and CBP’s own policies on opting out, several example statements on how you can opt out, and other helpful tips.
As always, if you are of any identity that white cis, het, colonial, ableist, capitalist culture does not want to exist, consider the risks that are put on you. And if you are of any identity where fewer risks are being put on you, then it is a great opportunity to be a co-conspirator.
Once again, the different moves in order:
Wear a mask. Already be ready before you get to the checkpoint. Try to avoid being in front of the camera as you approach. Tell them, don’t ask them, that you are opting out as you approach, and don’t give them anything until you have stated that you are opting out.
If and when they can, they will try to steal your face.
If and when you can, opt out, opt out, opt out.
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