Bill 118 s 3361, also known as the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to protect the privacy rights of travelers by placing restrictions on the use of biometric data collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies.
Under the provisions of the bill, DHS and other federal agencies would be required to obtain explicit consent from travelers before collecting or using their biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition scans. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the sharing of biometric data with third parties without the consent of the individual.
Furthermore, the bill includes measures to ensure the security of biometric data, such as requiring encryption and other safeguards to prevent unauthorized access. It also establishes penalties for any violations of the privacy protections outlined in the bill.
Overall, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023 aims to strike a balance between the need for enhanced security measures at airports and other travel hubs, and the protection of individual privacy rights. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to safeguard the rights of travelers in an increasingly digital world.