The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been spending $18.6 million it received in funding in order to develop, test and deploy “non-binary screening systems,” according to a new report.
The funding from the FY22 Omnibus Appropriations fund, Biden’s yearly government spending budget, has been used to improve Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units in airport checkpoints, working with the manufacturer to update the algorithm for “increased accuracy and efficiency.”
The new technology will roll out at airports in January, but individuals who feel their gender was incorrectly assumed now have the option to ask for a re-screening before submitting to a physical pat-down.
TSA data shows the agency receives 26,542 screening complaints annually. 6% of those complaints are from members of the LGBTQ community. That number tracks roughly with census data from Gallup, which notes that 7% of people identify as LGBTQ.
Speaking with WCAX channel 3 news, The TSA’s Executive Director for Travel Engagement Jose Bonilla said he is confident the new sharper imaging technology will reduce the number of pat-downs and the number of complaints from minority communities.
“This technology should really be gender-neutral you know it really should be, and we’re there,” Bonilla said. The TSA previously updated its standard operating procedures (SOP) for security personnel to permit less invasive screening measures for certain passengers that trigger an AIT scanner in “sensitive areas.” The change was made to reduce pat downs without compromising and was in effect until the TSA’s gender-neutral AIT technology was implemented.
In February, TSA also updated its checkpoint protocols by removing gender considerations when validating identification. TSA employees no longer consider gender information when travelers arrive at the travel document checker podium. (SOURCE)
