The TSA approved locks became a common sight at airports in 2003. Passengers were using locks to prevent theft, and the TSA wasn’t thrilled with the overhead required to inspect bags. The TSA made claims in 2012 that locks would “prevent anyone from removing items” from locked bags. A few years later, the TSA reversed their stance in a statement given to the Intercept, saying the approved lock program was implemented to provide “peace of mind” The final master key was released at the Eleventh HOPE conference in New York City.”]

