Incremental TIA - CAPPS II

By now you've probably seen the news that the Transportation Security Authority is implementing a new system called CAPPS II (Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System) for everyone who flies.

This systems combines airline information on passengers and checks it against the TSA "Watch List" of folks who the government thinks is suspicious.

The CAPPS II system will ....

Quote: "The nationwide computer system, which will check such things as credit reports and bank account activity and compare passenger names with those on government watch lists. Under the system, airlines will ask fliers more information than they do now: full name, address, phone number and date of birth."
Delta to test new airport security plan

The data in the airline system will then be checked with the data on the watch list and passengers will be assigned a color (green, yellow, or red). Green passengers will pass through with no problems; yellow passengers will be subjected to further scrutiny and search; red passengers won't fly and may be arrested.

Of course, this system doesn't "profile" anyone
QUOTE: "Transportation officials say CAPPS II - Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System - will use databases that already operate in line with privacy laws and won't profile based on race, religion or ethnicity. No data from the background checks will be stored."

EXCEPT that the "watch list" certainly does profile those who are on it, including folks that may participate in "questionable" activities (such as political participation that the feds find threatening).

AND while saying that the data from background checks won't be stored, ...
QUOTE: "CAPPS II would keep some fliers' information on file for up to 50 years."

QUOTE: "Obviously we want a permanent record of terrorists as long as they present a threat," Lunner said. "We want to make sure the Mohamed Attas of the world stay on the list.""
Airport background tests get flight check.

The ACLU is rightfully concerned
QUOTE: "The ACLU's legislative counsel, Katie Corrigan, issued an even more pointed warning. "This system threatens to create a permanent blacklisted underclass of Americans who cannot travel freely," she said. "Unfortunately, history suggests that the government will be capricious, unfair and politically biased in deciding who to stamp as suspect. Anyone could get caught up in this system, with no way to get out." "
On Law: virtually naked at the airport

QUOTE: "Of particular worry for civil libertarians is that a yellow designation on the airport watch list would be shared with other government agencies at all levels, including the CIA and foreign governments, according to the ACLU."

Of course, honest, law abiding citizens having absolutely NOTHING to fear. Or as we have heard the refrain before - "if you are not guilty then what difference does it make if they search you?"

Forget the fact that our Constitution is supposed to protect us from these types of invasions. And while some folks shout about the millions who have died for our freedom, please let them remember that the freedom folks have died to defend is being handed over on a silver platter by those who deem themselves "patriots."

Posted by rowan at March 2, 2003 8:49 AM | [eMail this article!] |