Can I refuse facial recognition at the airport?

Asked by: Icie Farrell  |  Last update: January 1, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (2 votes)

Facial recognition technology is voluntary. Tell a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate. The officer will use the standard ID verification process.

Can you opt out of facial scanning at airports?

But the scan is entirely voluntary, meaning all passengers can verbally opt out. Simply tell the TSA agent that you'd prefer a standard ID check. This requires the agent to verify your ID from their eyes alone—the traditional process before scanners were introduced. This also applies to overseas flights.

Do you have to do facial recognition at the airport?

A traveler may voluntarily agree to use their face to verify their identity during the screening process by presenting their physical identification or passport.

Can you avoid facial recognition?

Methods to Avoid Facial Recognition

Consider trying masks designed specifically to prevent facial recognition, like the "Incognito" mask created by Polish designer Ewa Nowak. This metal mask utilizes unique geometric shapes and reflective surfaces to deflect recognition software in security cameras.

Can you opt out of body scanners at airports?

To be as clear as possible, say, "I opt out." If you opt out, you will be subject to a “standard pat-down.” You also have the right to opt your children out of the scan.

DIA to test out facial recognition technology at TSA

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Can you choose not to go through the scanner at the airport?

All passengers travelling from an airport must go through security checks and no one is exempt from this.

Can TSA see my tampon?

This is a frequently asked question on Google, so we went straight to the TSA for an answer. “The body scanners cannot see anything inside of the body, including tampons or any other items,” Jenkins says. So if this is something you're worried about, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

How do I block facial recognition?

Use privacy-protection technology, such as anti-facial recognition makeup, which is designed to obscure certain features of your face, or wear specialized glasses which can be equipped with infrared lights or parts that can confuse facial recognition cameras.

What to wear to avoid facial recognition?

Here are some of the most resourceful designs to help you fool surveillance, their strengths, and their weaknesses.
  • Anti-paparazzi scarves. ...
  • Face masks. ...
  • Temporary face paintings as facial recognition avoidance. ...
  • More and more patterns. ...
  • Anti-CCTV glasses. ...
  • Anti-drone fashion. ...
  • Camera-fighting LEDs.

What states have banned facial recognition?

And now numerous states have built this requirement into law: Alabama, Colorado, Maine, Virginia, and Washington all prohibit a face recognition match from serving as probable cause for a search or arrest.

Can I opt out of the photo at the airport?

Consenting passengers can opt-out of having their photo taken at any point. However, their previously provided photo template may still be staged in the gallery.

What are the concerns of TSA facial recognition?

If facial biometrics are rolled out to every U.S. airport, the lawmakers also warned that the program “could become one of the largest federal surveillance databases overnight without authorization from Congress.”

How to opt into TSA Touchless ID?

After saving your KTN and passport, you can opt in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on the same page. Each traveler must opt in through their own account before checking in on the app. Make sure to read our privacy policy and give us permission to use your facial scan as identification.

Do I have to let TSA scan my face?

No. Facial recognition technology is voluntary. Tell a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate. The officer will use the standard ID verification process.

Can you refuse eye scan at airport?

Passenger participation in TSA biometric technology tests is voluntary. You may notify a TSA officer if you prefer a standard ID check.

How do I skip TSA screening?

If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.

How do I disguise myself from facial recognition?

How to Evade Facial Recognition as Much as Possible
  1. Say 'No' to Facial Scans. ...
  2. Use Innovative Photo Concealing Apps. ...
  3. Turn Off Facial Recognition from Your Device. ...
  4. Don't Tag Photos on Social Media. ...
  5. Use a VPN.

Do sunglasses stop facial recognition?

It can look for faces with sunglasses, and many modern face-finding algorithms find faces with sunglasses just fine.

How can I avoid Face ID?

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Do one of the following: Turn off Face ID for specific items only: Turn off one or more of the options. Turn off Face ID for face masks: Turn off Face ID with a Mask.

How do you opt out of face recognition?

Opt-out provisions: U.S. citizens who do not wish to submit to facial photo capture pursuant to these processes may request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by a CBPO.

Can you turn off facial recognition?

If you want to turn off the facial recognition feature because you prefer a numeric passcode, you can do so in a few simple steps. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. From here, you can make one of two changes: To turn off Face ID completely, tap Reset Face ID.

What confuses facial recognition?

An anti-facial recognition mask is a mask which can be worn to confuse facial recognition software. This type of mask is designed to thwart the surveillance of people by confusing the biometric data. There are many different types of masks which are used to trick facial recognition technology.

What triggers a TSA pat-down?

Pat-Down Screening

You may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other types of screening, such as advanced imaging technology screening.

Can TSA see my breast implants?

The body scanner has the ability to not only see breast implants but many other types of implants as well.