Facial recognition technology will enhance security at Canada’s airports.ISTOCK.COM
In August this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that on only the third day of using its new cutting-edge facial comparison biometric system (CBS), it intercepted an imposter posing as a French citizen trying to enter the U.S. through Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).
IAD is one of 14 early adopter U.S. airports that launched the use of facial recognition technology on August 20 to expedite the entry inspection process of arriving international passengers and could pave the way for CBS to become the global standard for airline passenger processing.
Closer to home, the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is working with the Canadian and U.S. governments and Airports Council International – North America to explore how the technology can be implemented in Canada.
“Right now, we have U.S. preclearance at eight Canadian airports where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are in place. They’re already using this technology in the U.S., so using it in Canada at preclearance is a logical next step,” says Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the CAC, the industry association that lobbies the federal government on issues that affect the business interests of Canada’s airports.
Timing has not yet been determined, he adds, but discussions are ongoing. Implementing the technology will need funding, so CAC will be watching the next federal budget to see how government agencies responsible for border security are resourced so that they participate in this project.
“Canada and the Netherlands are currently spearheading a World Economic Forum initiative called Known Traveler ID, which is one component of automating the processes moving forward,” says Mr. Gooch. “But CAC’s concern is that we can only remain in that leadership role if our agencies are properly resourced and mandated to participate fully in discussions around biometric identification and bring them forward to a point where they benefit travellers here in Canada.”
Produced by Randall Anthony Communications. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved in its creation.