CBP expands biometric authentication to Maine border crossings
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Customs and Border Protection will use Simplified Arrival to provide a streamlined and contactless authentication process at pedestrian crossings.
As part of its plan to install biometrics at pedestrian border crossings, Customs and Border Protection has announced the deployment of Simplified Arrival at three border towns in Maine.
Houlton, Jackman and Calais will now use the facial comparison technology, which will automate manual document checks and give travelers a secure and contactless authentication process.
CBP says the biometric facial comparison technology is only used at places where travelers are legally required to verify their identity with a passport or travel document. When someone arrives at a border port or undergoes I-94 processing, they are first required to have a photo taken at the primary inspection point.
Using facial biometrics, a traveler’s photo is then compared to an existing passport or visa image, and a CBP officer also reviews both to verify that the photos are a match. Officers also interview the traveler to validate results, establish the purpose and intent of travel and determine admissibility. The enhanced process, which takes just a few seconds, is said to be more than 98% accurate, according to a press statement.
To address privacy concerns, new photos taken of U.S. citizens at the border crossings will be deleted within 12 hours of the check. Photos of non-citizens will be stored in a secure Department of Homeland Security database. Select non-citizens and U.S. travelers can opt out of the facial biometric process by notifying a CBP officer as they approach the inspection point and requesting a manual inspection.
With Simplified Arrival, which combines one of the industry’s highest-ranked facial comparison algorithms with trained officers, CBP expects to greatly simplify inspections and reduce imposter threats.
“This enhanced biometric facial comparison technology will further secure and streamline travel while providing a safe, touchless identification process for travelers,” Boston Director of Field Operations Jennifer De La O said.