CBP's Biometric Expansion: Global Entry and Privacy Issues

Published Date : 7/10/2025 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is accelerating its biometric expansion, focusing on the Global Entry program and facial recognition technology. This move aims to streamline border security but raises significant privacy and civil liberties questions. 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is ramping up its biometric initiatives, with a major push to expand the Global Entry program and integrate advanced facial recognition technology at U.S. borders. This effort, backed by the Trump administration, seeks to automate identity verification for travelers, but it has sparked debates over privacy, data security, and the role of AI in surveillance. As CBP prepares for large-scale events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the agency is working with private vendors to develop seamless border entry systems that rely on real-time biometric data. n nCBP has issued multiple solicitations to identify companies capable of providing facial recognition solutions for its Seamless Border Entry (SBE) program. These plans aim to replace traditional checkpoints with biometric-only systems, allowing travelers to pass through ports of entry without manual document checks. However, the expansion has drawn criticism from privacy advocates, who argue that the lack of transparency in data handling and the potential for misuse of facial recognition technology could erode civil liberties. The agency’s reliance on private vendors also raises concerns about accountability and the security of sensitive traveler data. n nThe Global Entry SBE program is part of a broader federal push to modernize border security through digital identity systems. CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have announced plans to implement biometric matching across air, land, and sea ports of entry. This includes the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), which uses facial recognition to identify travelers. While the system has been rolled out at select airports, its expansion to land borders and vehicle inspections has faced pushback from privacy groups and border communities. Critics argue that the technology’s accuracy is still unproven, with past tests showing lower success rates for vehicle-based captures. n nRecent reports highlight the growing use of facial recognition and AI in federal surveillance. CBP has partnered with data brokers and law enforcement agencies to collect location and personal data, raising questions about the extent of its surveillance network. The agency’s new regulatory overhaul aims to formalize a nationwide biometric surveillance regime, embedding facial recognition into all entry points. However, lawmakers have pushed back, with bipartisan efforts to limit the use of biometric technology by federal agencies like the TSA. The proposed Traveler Privacy Protection Act seeks to restrict how such systems are deployed, but CBP continues to move forward with its expansion plans. n nThe technical requirements for CBP’s SBE program are stringent, demanding vendors provide secure, real-time facial recognition solutions. Devices must operate within CBP’s network, using encrypted connections and compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards. This ensures that the systems are both secure and accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the complexity of these requirements has led to concerns about the reliability of the technology, particularly in high-traffic areas like airports and border crossings. CBP claims its current systems achieve a 99% accuracy rate, but independent audits have yet to verify these claims. n nPrivacy organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center on Privacy & Technology have criticized CBP’s lack of transparency. They point to the absence of clear opt-out options for U.S. citizens and the potential for systemic bias in facial recognition algorithms. While CBP states that data is deleted within 12 hours, the long-term storage and use of biometric data remain unaddressed. The integration of AI into these systems further complicates the issue, as it raises questions about decision-making accountability and the risk of algorithmic errors. n nAs the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, CBP officials cite the need for enhanced border security to manage increased international travel. The agency argues that automation will improve efficiency, allowing officers to focus on high-risk travelers. However, critics warn that this shift could normalize biometric surveillance and erode traditional privacy protections. The debate over the balance between security and civil liberties remains at the forefront of the Global Entry expansion, with ongoing legal and political challenges likely to shape its future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Global Entry program?

A: The Global Entry program is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative that allows pre-approved travelers to use automated kiosks for expedited entry into the U.S. It has been expanded to include facial recognition technology, enabling seamless border entry without manual document checks.

Q: How does CBP use facial recognition technology?

A: CBP uses facial recognition through its Traveler Verification Service (TVS) to verify travelers' identities at ports of entry. The system captures facial images, compares them against databases, and grants entry automatically. This technology is being integrated into the Seamless Border Entry (SBE) program for faster, more secure processing.

Q: What are the main privacy concerns with CBP's biometric systems?

A: Privacy advocates worry about data security, lack of transparency, and potential misuse of biometric data. Issues include the absence of opt-out options for U.S. citizens, the risk of systemic bias in facial recognition algorithms, and the long-term storage of sensitive information by CBP and its partners.

Q: What role does AI play in CBP's border security efforts?

A: AI is being explored to enhance facial recognition accuracy and handle challenges like poor lighting or high traffic. However, its use raises concerns about decision-making accountability, explainability, and the potential for algorithmic errors. CBP has not yet confirmed if AI will be a core component of its new systems.

Q: How is the 2026 FIFA World Cup impacting CBP's expansion plans?

A: CBP officials cite the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a catalyst for biometric upgrades, aiming to manage increased international travel. The agency argues that automation will improve efficiency, but critics warn that the event could accelerate the normalization of biometric surveillance at U.S. borders. 

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