DHS Inspector General Launches Audit on Biometric Data Practices by ICE and OBIM
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Inspector General has initiated an audit to examine the privacy practices of DHS, particularly focusing on the use of biometric data by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM). This audit, announced in a letter by DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, aims to assess how DHS collects, manages, and secures personally identifiable information (PII) and biometric data in line with legal and departmental policies. The audit will initially target ICE and OBIM, with potential expansion to other DHS components. This move comes amid concerns raised by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine regarding the mass collection and storage of biometric data, including facial recognition and license plate data, and the hiring of social media surveillance contractors. 
