CBP tests facial biometric technology for inbound vehicles at Peace Bridge

Brent Jones
November 14, 2024 at 9:03 PM

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched facial biometric testing in selected vehicle lanes for travellers entering the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge.

The pilot program, Simplified Arrival-Vehicle Biometric, uses facial biometrics to streamline and automate identity verification, replacing the need for manual document checks.

Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations Diane Sabatino said in a news release that the test aims to improve security and efficiency by testing a variety of biometric technologies at land borders.

The facial biometric technology is deployed in inbound lanes 14, 15, and 16 at the Peace Bridge, marked as biometric lanes. Cameras capture images of vehicle occupants and match them against government records, such as passport and visa photos, to verify identity.

Travellers who wish to opt out of this technology can use lanes not designated as biometric.

The pilot program will continue through March of next year. CBP will then evaluate the technology’s performance in capturing clear images and matching identities to determine its effectiveness in winter conditions and its potential for broader implementation.

This initiative aligns with CBP’s congressional mandate to biometrically record all foreign nationals entering and exiting the United States. It builds on similar tests conducted at the southwest border, including previous trials in Texas and Arizona.

CBP assures minimal impact on traffic flow, as photo capture is passive, requiring no action from travellers.

Photos of U.S. citizens will be deleted within 12 hours of entry, while images of foreign nationals will be securely stored in the Department of Homeland Security’s Automated Biometric Identification System.