 |
 |
Michael Chertoff, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, says a new airline security agreement that keeps track of passenger names and related information could help prevent another terrorist attack similar to 9-11. (Photo by Susan A. Walsh/AP)
|
|
|
| | |
| |
|
|
| | |
HOME > NEWS > NATIONAL NEWS
By: LOU CHIBBARO J COMMENTS
 
continued...
automatic system which filters those sensitive PNR codes and terms and does not use this information.”
The letter states that DHS “promptly deletes the sensitive EU PNR data” unless “an exceptional case” surfaces.
It says an exceptional case exists “where the life of a data subject or others could be imperiled or seriously impaired.” In that case, the letter says, DHS would “maintain a log of access to any sensitive data in EU PNR and will delete the data within 30 days once the purpose for which it has been accessed is accomplished ands its retention is not required by law.”
The U.S. letter says DHS would provide any PNR information it obtains to “other domestic government authorities,” at its own discretion, such as law enforcement, public security or counter terrorism agencies. It says information exchanges could be used for apprehending persons wanted for crimes unrelated to terrorist activity.
Chertoff said citizens of the European Union would have the same administrative protections as U.S. citizens, which includes “the ability to obtain information held about them and to seek the correction of inaccurate data.”
The Air Transport Association of America, which represents U.S. passenger airline companies, has downplayed the impact of the agreement on the privacy of airline passengers, saying it pertains only to information that passengers provide to an airline at the time they book a flight. Most passengers would not be expected to divulge sensitive, personal information they are not comfortable about disclosing, a spokesperson for the association said.
“I just can’t imagine information about someone’s sexual orientation or other personal information becoming a part of this,” said Elizabeth Machalek Merida, the association’s media spokesperson.
“We’re talking about routine, day-to-day information,” she said. “It’s basic passport information.”
Harlan Godes, owner of the Los Angeles-based Travel Express L.A., and Mike Greenwald, owner of the Fort Lauderdale-based Personalized Travel, both travel agencies that cater to a gay clientele, said they agree with Merida’s assessment.
“I’ve been in this business for a long time,” said Greenwald, who began his travel business in Washington. “I’m not aware of any airlines asking information about someone’s sex life or sexual orientation.”
Godes said he and other travel agencies that cater to gay clients keep their own records about a passenger’s sexual orientation for the purpose of informing clie
|
