When I opt out of facial recognition and biometrics, particularly when it is at the airport or borders, one of the most common comments that not only agents make, but also people who learn that this is something that I am doing is, “Well, there are cameras everywhere else in the airport, so it’s already too late.”
I understand why the agents say that. They are trying to get you to forcibly have your biometrics taken. However, everyone else that says this is missing the entire point of opting out and surveillance culture.
This is a brief clip of me walking to my gate at the airport. Take note of the number of cameras in this short stroll.
This is an image after going through TSA security. Note how many cameras there are on the ceiling in this area alone. Dozens.
Yes, our image, likeness, video, and photos of us are being captured everywhere. But that is actually not okay. We should not accept constant surveillance because we happen to be in public.
So one of the primary reasons why I opt out, even though I know for a fact that there are cameras all over the airport and world, is because I am fighting against the normalization of surveillance culture everywhere. Additionally, I do not want my image and likeness being further used to train the algorithms that are used maliciously.
I am also fighting for a culture of consent. Currently, our consent and opt-ins are assumed. Whether it is at the airport, cookies on a website, or being surveilled and photographed in public, assuming someone’s consent is not consent. What is happening all around us, is non-consensual. We should be pushing back and objecting to all of this.
Since all of those cameras are taking my image and likeness without my consent, I will absolutely opt out whenever and wherever I can.
To all the people that say, “we already have your image and there are cameras everywhere anyway” as some kind of justification to just submit to biometric theft, it is such a faulty argument because that would mean you do not need another image of me then. And you should not mind if I opt out of every single instance.
As always, if you are of any identity that white cis het colonial capitalist ableist culture does not want to exist, higher risk is put on you. So be always mindful of this in these scenarios.
I put up this website that I often update, with the most current regulations and laws around opting out, biometric theft, and facial recognition. On this website, I also created a downloadable and printable pocket card to take with you to the airport to help you opt out with example phrases and situations.
This website includes information not only about airports and venues, but also about being a creative, consumer, your rights, and what to do when encountering biometric theft anywhere and other concerns about opting out, consent culture, and surveillance culture in general.
Stay secure and private out there.
If and when you can, opt out, opt out, opt out.
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