Gov't Orders Air Passenger Data for Test

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&u=/ap/20041112/ap_on_re_us/pas
senger_screening_1&printer=1

By LESLIE MILLER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The government on Friday ordered airlines to turn over personal
information about passengers who flew within the United States in June in
order to test a new system for identifying potential terrorists.

The system, dubbed "Secure Flight," will compare passenger data with names
on two government watch lists, a "no fly" list comprised of people who are
known or suspected to be terrorists, and a list of people who require more
scrutiny before boarding planes.

"Secure Flight represents a significant step in securing domestic air travel
and safeguarding national security information, namely, the watchlists," the
Transportation Security Administration said in a notice announcing the
order.

Currently, the federal government shares parts of the list with airlines,
which are responsible for making sure suspected terrorists don't get on
planes. People within the commercial aviation industry say the lists have
the names of more than 100,000 people on them.

The order follows a 30-day period during which the public was allowed to
comment on the Secure Flight proposal. About 500 people commented on the
plan; the overwhelming majority opposed it, saying it would invade their
privacy and infringe on their civil liberties.

An airline industry representative said the carriers, which support the
plan, are studying the order.

___

On the Net:

Transportation Security Administration: http://www.tsa.gov 



You are a subscribed member of the infowarrior list. Visit 
www.infowarrior.org for list information or to unsubscribe. This message 
may be redistributed freely in its entirety. Any and all copyrights 
appearing in list messages are maintained by their respective owners.

Reply via email to