The Consumer Technology Association recently called for an open-minded approach to airline security measures regarding electronic devices following a Department of Homeland Security-issued restriction.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Arlington, Virginia-based organization, affirmed the government’s desire to protect U.S. citizens with its recent ban on large electronics for incoming flights, but at the same time he indicated that alternative solutions may strike a feasible compromise.
“Embracing, rather than restricting, consumer technology may be a better solution,” Shapiro said in a release. “For example, sensing devices can ‘smell’ explosives. And biometrics and facial recognition technology can ‘read’ eye and body movements to better decipher a person's intent and emotions.”
He suggested that CTA’s recent study reveals that a majority of American adults are comfortable with biometrics in venues where security screening is standard, i.e., airports and U.S. border checkpoints.
“Layering these biometric and sensor innovations with predictive analytics offers more targeted and acceptable protections against terror threats than a comprehensive ban,” Shapiro said in the release. “Also, big data can correlate potential terrorist activity with geographic and personality-based information. Technology is critical to keeping us safe.”
Shapiro expressed a desire to collaborate with the government about enhanced security objectives, saying that the “national discussion on balancing personal freedoms and successful security measures must continue.”
Alerts Sign-up