Limitations
Our research was limited by the availability of data due to the sensitive nature of our research. It is described below.
The personal stories used were found online, which came from people who had consented to have their information published on a public website. We were not able to obtain stories first-hand from trans and non-binary people about their experiences with TSA. While important, it is difficult to find data due to the relatively small percentage of people who are transgender and feel comfortable providing their information.
The actual training materials used by the TSA and the algorithms used to determine additional screening and DHS TRIP eligibility are considered secure information. Therefore, we are able to determine their impact in terms of visible biases and effects, but not what is being input into the algorithms to create such a result.
The majority of the available data is processed and published directly by the TSA or a related government organization. This may result in inherent biases and manipulation of data to portray an outcome that makes the TSA look more favorable. Again, as we cannot access raw screening data, we cannot confirm this.
The personal stories used were found online, which came from people who had consented to have their information published on a public website. We were not able to obtain stories first-hand from trans and non-binary people about their experiences with TSA. While important, it is difficult to find data due to the relatively small percentage of people who are transgender and feel comfortable providing their information.
The actual training materials used by the TSA and the algorithms used to determine additional screening and DHS TRIP eligibility are considered secure information. Therefore, we are able to determine their impact in terms of visible biases and effects, but not what is being input into the algorithms to create such a result.
The majority of the available data is processed and published directly by the TSA or a related government organization. This may result in inherent biases and manipulation of data to portray an outcome that makes the TSA look more favorable. Again, as we cannot access raw screening data, we cannot confirm this.