Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL ID enforcement requires adults to present approved IDs for federal facilities and flights, likely increasing biometric checks. While this aims for enhanced security, notable risks about biometric data security emerge. Expert Joshua McKenty emphasizes the need for responsible data management and privacy protection amid rising identity threats.
Starting May 7, 2025, all individuals over 18 must present a REAL ID or a similar acceptable ID to gain access to certain federal buildings or to fly domestically. REAL IDs will have a star, a flag, or the label “Enhanced.” This new requirement aims to standardize identification for security purposes, but it raises significant concerns regarding biometric data security.
As REAL IDs become the expected norm, travelers can expect an increase in biometric security checks. This might enhance airport security but also raises worries about identity theft. Joshua McKenty, a well-known expert in deepfake technology and AI fraud, who previously served as Chief Cloud Architect at NASA and is now Co-Founder and CEO of Polyguard, shares his take on these growing risks.
“With REAL ID and TSA Touchless ID, we are entering a new phase of biometric identity checks at airports. It’s not just about more efficient lines or tighter security; it’s an experiment that could either benefit individuals or, conversely, make them more vulnerable,” says McKenty. He adds that the integration of 50 state database systems by linking them into one massive national database creates a huge target for hackers and represents a potential surveillance risk that hasn’t yet been fully realized.
Some travelers might think about skipping biometric checkpoints to safeguard their data, but McKenty argues this is not a viable option. He explains, “Most travelers aren’t aware that opting out at the checkpoint doesn’t safeguard their privacy; their biometric data was already collected when they got a driver’s license, REAL ID, or passport. New images continually enter centralized databases, like the DHS IDENT system, which has inconsistent and unclear deletion practices.”
Due to the potential vulnerabilities surrounding biometric data, both individuals and organizations need to remain vigilant about possible threats. According to McKenty: “As deepfakes multiply and synthetic identities become more common, maintaining the integrity of biometric systems is more crucial than ever. This is not only essential for protecting personal privacy but also for preventing fraud, impersonation, and identity theft.”
McKenty emphasizes that the conversation surrounding biometric data needs to move beyond the simplistic dichotomy of total surveillance versus total anonymity. There’s an opportunity to create systems that promote both trust and freedom while ensuring data integrity.
He recommends that organizations managing biometric information pursue solutions that emphasize consent, transparency, and the ability to opt-out meaningfully. “Organizations need to adopt identity verification systems that allow individuals and entities to control and use their data responsibly. This goes beyond just travel concerns; it’s about building a new standard for digital trust in a world rife with AI-driven deception. The future of biometrics will rest on the power we allocate back to the individual as privacy issues persist.”
Starting in May 2025, the enforcement of REAL ID raises significant implications for biometric data security. The introduction of a centralized national database creates both efficiency benefits and new vulnerabilities. Experts urge individuals and organizations alike to stay aware of these risks while advocating for systems that prioritize transparency and user control over their biometric information. Ultimately, the future of biometric security hinges on finding a balance between privacy and effective identification processes.
Original Source: www.securitymagazine.com
