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House Lawmakers Formally Ask GAO to Probe TSA’s Use of AI, Biometrics
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green and Rep. Carlos Gimenez, chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, have formally “requested a detailed review from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) implementation of biometric identification and use of AI-driven technology in its homeland security mission.”
Other lawmakers have taken similar recent actions regarding their concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the efficacy of using these technologies. These actions reflect a growing bipartisan effort to scrutinize and regulate the use of advanced technologies by federal agencies, ensuring that security measures do not compromise individual rights and freedoms.
In their Jan. 14 letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, the lawmakers emphasized the necessity of evaluating the cost-effectiveness, operational impact, and privacy implications associated with TSA’s deployment of these technologies. The two lawmakers seek to ensure that TSA’s deployment of these technologies provides a proper return on investment while adhering to existing federal data protection standards.
As Americans Flock to Rednote, Privacy Advocates Warn About Surveillance
More than 700,000 U.S.-based users have downloaded RedNote, a popular Chinese social app, as the TikTok ban deadline looms — but they may find themselves looking for yet another TikTok alternative soon.
A U.S. official told CBS News that Xiaohongshu, the app more commonly referred to as RedNote, has many of the same issues that caused Congress to ban TikTok and that the app could eventually face a similar ban unless it divests from its China-based parent company.
Privacy advocates are also warning against using RedNote. In an emailed statement, Cooper Quintin, the senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), said “anyone for whom privacy is a matter of personal safety” should think twice before downloading RedNote, adding that the EFF has similar concerns about U.S.-based apps like Facebook.
Time Is Running Out for Real ID as TSA Publishes Final Ruling on Deadline
Americans will soon have to get a REAL ID document for traveling via plane within the country, with just over 100 days left until the new rule comes into effect. It was announced in 2024 that beginning May 7, Americans will need the REAL ID, a standardized identification document in the U.S., to board a plane going between U.S. airports.
The REAL ID was introduced in the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, enacting the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation for the standardized issuing of identification.
REAL ID will be needed for plane travel within the U.S. from May 7, but Americans planning to travel will need to make sure that they have taken action to update theirs before then.
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Illinois To Get Mobile Driver’s Licenses in Apple Wallet by End of 2025
Illinois is “working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year,” according to a release from the office of Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias. Once implemented, residents will be able to add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to iPhone or Apple Watch, and present them in person and within mobile apps.
Eventually, Giannoulias wants to bring mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and IDs to Google Wallet and other major digital wallet platforms. “We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple — a company that shares our commitment to data security — to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy,” said Giannoulias, who has made bringing mobile driver’s licenses and digital ID to Illinois a priority. His plan includes robust testing requirements to “ensure the office delivers the most secure and private product for Illinois residents.”
The Secretary calls it the “first component of a multi-faceted approach to deliver a state-of-the-art mobile driver’s license and state ID program that leverages best-in-class technology for residents.”
AI Facial Recognition Software Resulting in False Arrests
Police nationwide are misusing facial recognition software, relying on it to arrest suspects without additional evidence, according to a new investigation by the Washington Post. Most departments aren’t required to disclose or document its use. Among 23 departments with available records, 15 across 12 states arrested suspects based solely on AI matches, often violating internal policies requiring corroboration.
One report called an unverified AI match a “100% match,” while another claimed the technology “unquestionably” identified a suspect. At least eight people have been wrongfully arrested in the U.S. due to AI matches, two of which were previously unreported. All cases were dismissed, but basic police work — such as checking alibis or comparing physical evidence — could have prevented these arrests.
The true scale of AI-fueled false arrests remains unknown, as most departments lack disclosure requirements and rarely reveal AI use. The Post identified 75 departments using facial recognition, with records from 40 showing arrests tied to AI matches. Of these, 23 provided sufficient detail, revealing that nearly two-thirds made arrests without corroborating evidence. Departments often refused to discuss their practices or claimed officers relied on visual judgment to confirm matches.
Powerschool Breach Worse Than Thought, Company Says ‘All’ Student and Teacher Data Accessed
The recent cyberattack on education technology software firm PowerSchool appears to be a lot worse than initially thought, as multiple companies came forward to say that all of their data was stolen in the incident.
In late December 2024, an unidentified threat actor used stolen credentials to access its PowerSchool Student Information System platform. From there, they were able to use the “export data manager” customer support tool to exfiltrate “Students” and “Teachers” database tables to a CSV file, which was then stolen.
The information grabbed in this attack included names, and postal addresses, and in some districts, the threat actors also obtained Social Security numbers, personally identifiable information, medical information and grades.
TikTok Plans US Shutdown on Sunday, Reports Say: What We Know
TikTok is planning to shut down its app to users in the U.S. if a federal ban goes into effect Sunday, according to reports.
Unless the Supreme Court plans to intervene and reject the looming ban, Americans will no longer be able to download the social media app, and those who already have TikTok on their devices will be shown a pop-up message directing them to information about the ban if they try to access the network.
TikTok’s plans were first reported late Tuesday by technology news website The Information. People familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed the plans to Reuters on Wednesday. Reuters also reported that the company will give users an option to download their data so they can take record of their personal information.
