Warren Shepell, a well-known Canadian psychologist, encountered a disconcerting situation during his recent journey from Cleveland back to Toronto. Just before boarding the plane, Shepell was approached by two uniformed officers on the Jetway, one of whom took his photograph. Feeling caught off guard and violated, Shepell expressed his dismay at the lack of explanation provided by the officers.
This incident reflects a broader initiative by the United States to implement facial biometrics for Canadian travelers entering and exiting the country through various modes of transportation. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been utilizing facial biometrics for nearly a decade to verify the identities of international passengers arriving at U.S. airports.
Expanding on this program, CBP aims to collect images of departing passengers at all international U.S. airports, as well as at sea ports and land borders when individuals enter and exit the country. While full implementation is expected in the next three to five years, CBP anticipates having facial biometric technology fully operational at land borders by the following year.
To comply with this development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule mandating non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians, to participate in the facial biometrics program. Despite concerns about privacy, CBP emphasizes the program’s role in enhancing security and enforcing immigration laws.
Facial biometrics technology, already in place at numerous U.S. airports for international departures, is set to undergo further integration across various entry and exit points. While CBP assures travelers of privacy safeguards, critics caution against potential misuse and lack of regulatory oversight, especially in the absence of federal laws governing facial biometrics in the U.S.
As the implementation deadline approaches, Canadians like Warren Shepell are reconsidering travel plans to the U.S. amidst uncertainties surrounding the facial biometrics program. The initiative, aimed at bolstering security measures, raises apprehensions within the tourism industry and may serve as a deterrent to potential visitors. Despite declining travel statistics, concerns persist over the long-term impact on cross-border tourism and the administration’s stance on promoting international visitation.
