What happened
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is exploring the use of biometric scanning for domestic flights by 2031, with the goal of improving efficiency. The technology would be used for pre-board screening to verify the identity of passengers. However, the decision to implement biometric scanning is ultimately up to the elected government.
According to CATSA, the use of biometric scanners would help to speed up the boarding process. However, some argue that the time saved by using biometric scanning would be minimal, and that other factors, such as passengers putting their luggage in the overhead bins, are more likely to cause delays.
There are also concerns about the potential risks to privacy and the security of personal information. Biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, is intensely personal and could be vulnerable to hacking or misuse. The Canadian government has not yet explained why it needs to collect this information or how it would be stored and protected.
The use of biometric technology also raises concerns about mass surveillance and the potential for governments and private corporations to use advanced facial recognition and cameras to track and identify people in public spaces. Some argue that the promise of "voluntary" biometric scanning is worthless, as governments and corporations could change their policies and expand the use of the technology in the future.
