We were told it was not optional coming home from an international flight last month. However, our toddler was with us and nervous and they said we could opt out for him. I said great, thanks. Picked him up while we were talking and I wasn't really thinking about where I was holding him. The agent looked over, smiled and said hi to get their attention, and I saw him take the image, seconds after we verbally opted out. Sigh.
this post was submitted on 03 May 2025
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Privacy
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I'm legitimately surprised at the amount of actual morons in this thread popping out with the ol "They already have it why not just make it as easy as possible for them to continually keep an updated database of your current facial appearance?".
Same vein as "I have nothing to hide so privacy invasions are fine!". Fuck off with this cattle-ass mindset.
This never stops them breaking the law, more fake privacy. Start with what you can control, like your apps.
Last time I tried to opt out of the face scan the TSA agent literally laughed in my face, the rule of law is a joke in this country.
Insist.
Every time I opt out I am mysteriously pulled aside for a "randomized check."
I opt out whenever I travel and I get random checks about 4/5 times now. I definitely don't flag on this scale either.
That's odd. I opted out and was met with no fuss whatsoever. Might have just been lucky.
That is lucky. It is every time for me, and I am pasty white.
Might be the airport too. The one nearby the TSA agents are quite chill in comparison with others I've been to in the past.
Fascinating how many "people" here are saying it's ok, "you're already on camera", "your picture is on your ID "...
And? I'll still say no.
I'm a bit confused at the technology here...or the logic.
They say they don't store your photo. So how does taking a photo prove anything if there's no data to compare it to?
they are comparing it to the id.
My question is does opt out keep them from imaging your id in any way? Because my id already has my photo.
Probably not. But you have the right to opt out, so you should. Don't make it any more convenient for them to violate your rights than you have to, and if someone proves they're retaining data illegally, you could join a class action lawsuit.
If you comply, you might save a few minutes. Is that really worth it?
Didn’t take any extra time for me to opt out in SFO. It was a quick and he just took an extra 2 seconds to stare at my ID and face.
I mean the convenience is worth it when the commodity is valueless. They got that when I applied for passport at the federal level and drivers license at the state level. Some folks give facebook a whole bunch and out all their relatives.
Some folks give facebook a whole bunch and out all their relatives.
So request that they don't. Privacy isn't and end state, it's a process. Insist at every turn and maybe we'll get somewhere. Maybe not, but we certainly won't without trying.
My dumb ass thought I could do this at immigration. Partner loved me asking
If you're a US citizen, you probably can.
Nope, you cannot
You can, the officer will probably ignore your request though. Here's the sign from the article:
Ah yeah I saw this that’s why I asked. Thanks for sharing
Does this also apply to the face scans they ask U.S. citizens to do when passing the Canadian border?
If it's into Canada, I don't think you have that option. If it's into the US, then yeah, they have to let you enter, so I assume refusing face scans is allowed. They can certainly detain you, but you have rights. IANAL though, and YMMV depending on the color of your skin and/or accent, unfortunately.
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