It’s nice to see that this controversial practice will end, as sometimes public backlash does accomplish something.
Continue reading: After Backlash, Airlines Stop Secretly Selling Passenger Data To Government
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Ex-Amadeus here. I don't quite get this. Governments (US was first, but this is now quite common for developped countries) get a data feed of passenger data.
As far as I know, for US it's an instant feed upon booking, while for almost all others it's a feed a -72 hours or -24 hours.
So why would they have needed to purchase such data in the first place? Unless we're talking about the US obtaining data from non-US travel? But all the airlines in the article are US based...
WTF
"TIP is sunsetting this year."
It should have been shutdown effective immediately, not "sunset" and secretly replaced with a vague date.
See how this PATRIOT is and still spying on you without probable cause or warrant.
Your rights and privacy is just propaganda.
Those Eppy files and other people wars are just distractions.
In Germany the Deutsche Post sells customer data to everyone interested. You can for example ask for 1000 adresses in your city that voted for a specific political party. (Of course the party allegance is determined stochastically by election result per area, but still!)
There is also a European database of plane travelers as reported by Airlines that sounds similar to what is described here (but as of now only covering 50% of travellers). I don't think accessing this requires any judge granted permission.
US automatically gets APIS data for international flights, not for domestic flights which is what the ARC was selling. Domestic "surveillance" is more regulated in the USA. Also, the ARC data includes much more information than what's covered by APIS data.
The government doesn't need airline or flight data to find you. Cameras are everywhere watching you.
You should assume that there is no privacy when travelling. For decades hotels in Europe would photocopy passports upon check in. I understood this data was required by their government.
I am not an expert at cybersecurity but I assume that the USA has ways of accessing travel information. Actually, I feel some of this data is used to monitor and prevent crime.
"...I feel some of this data is used to monitor and prevent crime."
Your feelings aside, that's not the determinant of whether or not the data is used to prevent crime, and frankly it doesn't even matter how it is used.
It's not okay to be selling passenger information without consent. And before you (or anyone) suggests it happens all the time everywhere via other methods, that still doesn't make it okay for ARC to be selling it.
The reason it was only “travel agency” data is that the TSA *already* has access to all domestic passenger identity and itinerary information for all tickets booked directly with airlines. The “Secure Flight” program, codified in 49 CFR 1560.101, already mandates that all airlines operating within or to/from the US submit “Secure Flight Passenger Data” to TSA at the time a ticket is booked. Itinerary information isn’t mentioned in the federal statute, but it is included in the “Secure Flight Final Rule” from TSA in 2008.
In other words, TSA has for decades been automatically collecting your: Full Name, Birthday, Gender, Flight Number, Departure and Arrival Airports, Date and Time of Travel, and Operating Carrier.
ARC ceasing to sell third party travel agency data to the government is good, but it’s not like they don’t already have a record of all your domestic flights anyway.
US domestic flight data is tracked by TSA under the “Secure Flight” program. Airlines are required by law to provide TSA both the passenger identification info *and* itinerary info, at the time of booking. APIS applies to international flights and includes more data that Secure Flight, but either way, the government already does have a record of every flight you take within the US. The question is whether TSA can share that data with other agencies - like the IRS or Dept of Justice - without a specific subpoena, warrant, or other court order. But let’s be real; it’s trivially easy for agencies to get this data from TSA and Homeland Security if they really want it.
There’s a big privacy difference between “not collecting data” and “not sharing data already collected”. The ship has long sailed on the former.
I have no issue with the US Government having information on all passengers within US skies at all times. Democratic or Republican in the White House. Make it condition of carriage or whatever needs to happen. They should have access to all passengers, flight info and how the ticket was paid for. No issue. They can use the data to help stop crime, human trafficking, terrorism, etc.
Could it be misused, sure.
I am also ok with biometric ID for all persons entering or existing the country. Maybe one day we can even require ID to vote in all elections....
Jesus. You’re disgusting. American citizens have a pesky thing called the Constitution we like to keep around and enforce.
And you do know the govt already has legal means to get access to such data, right?
They’re selling far more data to the govt than what you listed (and TSA receives/requires). ARC is also collecting more than needed to monetize it…which is what the govt is doing also btw.
There is NOT a legitimate interest with ATC and its business dealings.
Yes, and flying is a privilege. I expect the government to do all it can to keep me safe while I enjoy the privilege. Spend three decades supporting and defending the Constitution. I served to help ensure you have a right to disagree with me. I did start my post with “I have no issue”
Perhaps you were othered by my comment on voter ID. Too bad.
If they were secretly selling it, how can we confirm they are going to stop? Gave their word?