article_snippet: A behavioral checklist that the Transportation Security Administration uses to help identify airport travelers the Transportation Security Administration believe could be potential terrorists  has been revealed.
article_snippet: The Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques system, nicknamed SPOT, breaks down body language and demeanor the the Transportation Security Administration believes indicates either 'stress' or 'deception'.
article_snippet: It has been revealed that the Transportation Security Administration uses a behavioral checklist, nicknamed SPOT, to help identify potential terrorists among airport travelers (file photo)
article_snippet: Further signs of deception include excessive yawning or perspiration and lacking details about the purpose of one's trip.
article_snippet: SPOT breaks down body language the TSA believes indicates 'stress' or 'deception', including sweaty palms, a strong body odor, widely opened eyes or a bobbing Adam's apple (file photo)
article_snippet: The GAO found that there was no scientific evidence to support the SPOT's claim that terrorists can be picked out via 'behavioral indicators', and said the human's ability to 'accurately identify' suspicious behavior is 'slightly better than chance'.
article_snippet: A spokesperson with the TSA told the Intercept that 'behavior detection' was just 'one element' of the administration's efforts to 'mitigate threats against the traveling public'. '
article_snippet: No single behavior alone will cause a traveler to be referred to additional screening or will result in a call or a law enforcement officer.' '
article_snippet: Officers are trained and audited to ensure referrals for additional screening are based only on observable behaviors and not race or ethnicity'.
highlights_snippet: The Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques system breaks down body language the TSA believes indicates 'stress' or 'deception'
  