New identity verification technology is being rolled out at Anchorage‘s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
ANCHORAGE , Alaska - New identity verification technology is being rolled out at Anchorage ‘s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport . The Transportation Security Administration says facial matching technology will be used to verify a traveler’s identity during the process of security screening , prior to boarding a plane.
The next time a traveler arrives at the airport for security screening, they can expect to see a Credential Authentication Technology machine, which is equipped to take a real-time image of the traveler. The new machines are similar to the first generation CAT machines, but have cameras that compare the photo on a traveler’s identification with their real-time photo. “We know that we can enhance the job that TSA officers have been doing since the inception of the agency, but by using this technology, it gives them an extra tool to make sure that the traveler standing in front of them is the one that is featured on the photo ID, which is the one that has been vetted to ensure that they don’t pose a security risk,” explained TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers. Dankers said that the photo is completely optional. Travelers are permitted to opt out in favor of an alternative identify verification process that is lengthier. “ photo is only used for immediate identity verification,” she added. “It’s never used for any other purpose. It’s that real-time photo compared against the photo on — whatever you’re presenting as your photo ID.” She says that the technology is expected to improve safety while also speeding up the security process, as travelers won’t need to present a boarding pass along with identification. “Your biographical information, as well as your flight information, will appear on screen,” Dankers said. “And that’s all done with technology. “All the traveler has to do is hand over that photo ID. So it’s very simple, very streamlined, and so it does keep the line moving.” According to Dankers, the CAT machine cameras are accurate to roughly 99.7%. She said that the camera is able to take into account changes in a person, like weight gain or loss, facial hair or lack thereof. “The camera captures a wide shot of the traveler, and then it crops it down to its face, and that ensures that the traveler doesn’t have to position in just the right place in front of the camera,” she explained. “It’s really a very flexible technology.” The new CAT machines are coming to airports nationwide. Each TSA officer is receiving six hours of classroom training and two hours of on-the-job training to get familiar with the new technology. “We’re so happy that come to Alaska,” Dankers said. “You’re going to see it soon in Juneau, as well as here at Anchorage, so keep an eye for it.”Alaska woman survives vicious bear attack during hunting trip on Admiralty IslandUPDATE: APD says no person of interest found after fatal Northeast Anchorage shooting leads to standoff
TSA Transportation Ted Stevens Anchorage Travel Airplane Airport Security Security Screening CAT ANC
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anchorage School District moves ahead with plans to close, consolidate schools with new public surveyThe Anchorage School District is asking community members to take a survey as it goes forward with plans to close and consolidate schools.
Read more »
After years of work, Anchorage skaters welcome a new parkMany in the city’s skater community — including skateboarders, roller skaters, BMXers and scooter riders — see the $2.1 million skate park as a long-term investment in their sport.
Read more »
6 questions with Farina Brown, the Anchorage mayor’s new special assistant on homelessnessFarina Brown, special assistant in homelessness and health for Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, is tasked with tackling some of the city’s most complex challenges.
Read more »
Air marshals want out of TSA and into a new law enforcement agencyThe Air Marshal Association says the Transportation Security Administration lacks law enforcement culture and the marshals want to do more police work in airports.
Read more »
New field house coming to Anchorage with the help of former Anchorage pro athleteConstruction work for a $1.5 million field house is underway in Mountain View.
Read more »
TSA at SEA Airport begins using new technology to verify travelers’ identitiesThe next time you travel through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), your trip through security might look a little different.
Read more »