HR 7124
Realigning Mobile Phone Biometrics for American Privacy Protection Act
TL;DR
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced this bill to restrict how mobile phone biometric data (like facial recognition and fingerprints) is used at the border and in immigration enforcement. It aims to add privacy guardrails around DHS and CBP collecting biometric data from Americans' phones during immigration-related encounters.
How This Might Impact Your Business
Mobile device makers and app developers could face new requirements around how biometric data stored on phones (Face ID, fingerprint scans) can be accessed by federal immigration authorities.
Cloud storage providers holding biometric templates may need updated protocols for responding to DHS or CBP data requests at ports of entry.
Biometric technology vendors selling to CBP, ICE, or TSA could see procurement contracts affected if their tools do not meet new privacy standards.
Airlines, cruise lines, and travel companies using facial recognition boarding systems at U.S. borders may need to review vendor agreements and passenger disclosures.
The bill sits in the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, so no immediate compliance deadlines exist yet.
Bill text specifics (penalties, thresholds, covered entities) are not yet public in detail, so exact scope remains uncertain.
Companies serving both consumer privacy markets and federal immigration contracts could face conflicting customer expectations if this advances.
What Should You Do
Ask your government affairs or legal team to pull the full bill text and flag any definitions of 'covered entity' that could include your company.
If you sell biometric tech to DHS, CBP, or ICE, brief your federal sales team on potential procurement risk and monitor the subcommittee schedule.
Review your current biometric data retention and law enforcement response policies, especially for mobile apps that store Face ID or fingerprint data.
Track subcommittee activity; given divided government and the sponsor being in the minority, movement is unlikely near-term but worth quarterly review.
Coordinate with industry associations (ITI, CTA, Security Industry Association) to submit input if hearings are scheduled.
Who It Affects
Sponsors
Status Timeline
committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
January 16, 2026