Airlines oppose limiting US ability to use facial recognition software at airport checkpoints

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Groups representing major U.S. airlines, travel companies and airports on Monday urged the Senate to reject a bill that would limit the ability of the Transportation Security Administration to use facial recognition software at security checkpoints.

The Senate Commerce Committee is set on Wednesday to consider bipartisan legislation to protect Americans’ ability to opt out of TSA facial recognition screenings at airports and prevent abuse of passenger data.

Airlines for America, U.S. Travel and two airport groups opposed the bill in a letter seen by Reuters saying it could "increase wait times considerably by slowing down identity verification at every airport security checkpoint."