TSA wants more biometric data from PreCheck travelers
The Transportation Security Administration wants to update the way it stores and uses biometric data from PreCheck applicants.
In a notice posted to the Federal Register on Jan. 15, the agency said it is considering introducing a mobile biometric ID for PreCheck users and will expand its biometric information sharing with other sections of the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the proposed changes, TSA will share fingerprints with Customs and Border Protection to speed up Global Entry enrollment. It's part of the push by DHS to create a more unified single experience for Trusted Traveler enrollees.
The agency will also expand its biometric screening capabilities, which it says will lead to faster processing at TSA.
The proposed changes would also allow biometric data to be used for continuous vetting of Trusted Traveler applicants for criminal and security risks, rather than a one-time screening during the application process.
Jake Parker, senior director of government relations with the Security Industry Association, told USA TODAY in a statement that these changes could pose data security and privacy risks if the appropriate technological safeguards are not put into place with the updates.
A TSA agent checks travelers at San Diego International Airport on November 7, 2025.
Since the proposed changes affect only TSA PreCheck applicants, participation in the more biometric-heavy screening is seen as voluntary.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].
