How Biometrics Travel: Reimagining Opt-Out Logics

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2026

How Biometrics Travel: Reimagining Opt-Out Logics

Morgan C. Banville Massachusetts Maritime Academy ; Kimberlyn Harrison The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

This article demonstrates how biometric technologies operate through security logics, and how technical communicators can resist the process of securitization through what we refer to as “opt-out logics.” We question security logics through a case example of public-facing documentation from the Transportation Security Administration on the use of biometric technologies for domestic travel at airports across the United States. Our analysis focuses on three security logics: improving efficiency, mitigating risk, and paternalistic concern for passenger experience. To consider how these logics structure encounters, both authors provide personal narratives of their experience with biometric technologies in airports. Finally, drawing from tactical technical communication, we offer opt-out logics as modes of resistance in three categories: documentation, pedagogy, and design. We argue tactics of resistance are ways technical communicators can engage in resisting the expectation to opt in to systems.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2026-01-01
DOI: 10.1177/00472816251384948
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality technical communication

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