Thursday, August 14, 2008

Fly-by-ID: Who are you going to believe?

The matter in question:  Is TSA collecting fliers personal information on a "list" if they show up to fly without an ID? (Flying without an ID is legal, but against TSA policy paradoxical demands for ID.)


WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration has collected records on thousands of passengers who went to airport checkpoints without identification, adding them to a database of people who violated security laws or were questioned for suspicious behavior.

BUT... TSA authorities say they really aren't doing that, in a way, sorta, well, of course...


"An August 13 USA Today article overstated the Transportation Security Administration’s interest in passengers who come to airport checkpoints without identification but cooperate in establishing their identity. The story gives the public the impression they might be put on a “list” if they forget their ID. That is false.

Passengers whose identity is confirmed will not be added to any watch list or face additional scrutiny during future checkpoint visits...Because our mission requires this capability, we do collect information about individuals who present false identification or misrepresent themselves to get in an airplane."

Yes, but what about NO identification. Are they included with those who "misrepresent" themselves?   Who are you going to believe?

TSA, who uses the 9-11 Commission Report as a reliable comprehensive document based on facts and the Lexus Nexis corporate database to confirm your  walk-in /walk-out identity?

"The information is only shared with other law enforcement partners on a need-to-know basis. The ability to "connect the dots" on emerging situations can not be underestimated. In the post 9/11 world, such analysis is so fundamental to protecting the American public that it was a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission." - Evolution of Security 

OR

The coverage of a Rupert Murdoch owned dumbed-down newspaper soup document called USA Today,

"Later Tuesday, {Kip}Hawley called the newspaper to say the agency is changing its policy effective today and will stop keeping records of people who don't have ID if a screener can determine their identity. Hawley said he had been considering the change for a month. The names of people who did not have identification will soon be expunged, he said.

Civil liberties advocates have been fearful that the database includes passengers who have done nothing wrong yet may face extra scrutiny at airports or questioning by authorities investigating possible terrorism. "This information comes back to haunt people," said Barry Steinhardt of the American Civil Liberties Union." - USA TODAY


BeatTheChip's answer: the one that doesn't need to have your face on file to fly in the U.S.



BeatTheChip's suggested approach to Fly-by-ID TSA searches is as follows:

1) Don't go get a new ID, present the one you have in your wallet.
2) Get a passport.  Smack the RFID with a hammer or throw it in the microwave for 7 seconds.
3) Mail your laptop a day ahead of time to your destination or add it to your regular luggage in a different suitcase to avoid TSA carry-on harassment.
4) Stop giving out your personal information to random gratuitous surveys or stupid contests you won't win or customer "advantage" cards.   That's how Lexus Nexis got your info in the first place.
5) Contact your legislator and tell them you want TSA out of your airports-they are wasting your tax money.  

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