www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99048-utah-airport-updates-identity-verification-technology
two hands exchanging a photo ID

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Utah airport updates identity verification technology

March 10, 2023

Salt Lake City International Airport has released new credential authentication technology (CAT) to improve airport safety. First generation CAT units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities, but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler.

CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against the photo captured by the machine. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer will verify and the traveler can proceed to security screening, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed.

Photos captured by CAT units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification by a TSA officer. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.