Canadian airports and airlines are urging the federal government to establish a national biometrics and digital ID policy, signaling a major step toward fully digitized air travel. The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), representing over 100 airports, has called for new laws to authorize the use of facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and digital identity verification throughout passenger processing. Their proposal, submitted during Ottawa’s pre-budget consultations, would require amending federal regulations to allow biometric use in security screening and to create unified data standards across agencies like CATSA and the Canadian Border Services Agency. The CAC also suggested appointing a Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to lead a national digital travel strategy and phase out older systems like NEXUS in favor of globally recognized biometric credentials.

Critics warn that while these measures promise convenience and efficiency, they could also normalize mass surveillance and data collection under the banner of modernization. The proposed system would store and share sensitive biometric data across government and private entities — an area not yet fully protected under Canada’s privacy framework. Similar efforts are unfolding globally: Russia plans biometric boarding systems despite sanctions, Pakistan is introducing e-gates linked to e-passports, and India has rapidly expanded its biometric “Trusted Traveller” program. Together, these initiatives reveal a global move toward a seamless — and heavily monitored — travel infrastructure. For many, it’s a glimpse of a future where identity, movement, and personal freedom are increasingly governed by algorithms and digital compliance systems.

SOURCE: Biometric Update