Last week, US authorities expanded two airline passenger screening programs to enhance airport security throughout the US. In one advancement, authorities will implement a program at 10 US airports requiring passengers to take 10 digital fingerprint scans. The scans will be mandatory for travelers from European Union (EU) countries and any country where visas are required. This biometric program expands on the existing fingerprint system where airports only require two prints per passenger and an identification photograph.
In the second advancement, US authorities reached an agreement with the EU on a deal that will continue to allow the sharing of sensitive passenger information. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be able to transmit relative data to other US law enforcement agencies that may aid authorities in the event of an anti-terror investigation.
With recent terrorist attack plots in the United Kingdom, the need to coordinate passenger tracking capabilities has become increasingly important. Empowering authorities with improved methods of tracking biometric and passenger information could greatly assist security officials in reducing the threat of terrorist infiltration across US borders.
Biometric Procedures for Passengers
Under the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program, the system utilizes higher quality scanners that acquire 10 fingerprints from passengers flying from the EU and other countries under the US Visa program. Officials cross check fingerprints against US watch lists to rule out illegal entry or fraudulent identity claims.
The scanners are also being tested at various US embassies abroad, including the US Embassy in Brussels. After the scanner systems are evaluated for performance, authorities expect the systems to also be installed at some border checkpoints.
Along with providing fingerprints upon arrival, the program also requires passengers to provide fingerprints as they depart from the US. By documenting biometrics as passengers exit, authorities could match entering and exiting data to confirm a traveler has left the country.
Trans-Atlantic Sharing of Passenger Data Continues
The US and ambassadors from the EU are backing a plan to extend an interim agreement that allowed for the inter-agency sharing of air passenger information. Under the new deal, federal agencies from the US and EU will continue to send 19 pieces of passenger information such as credit card numbers, addresses, dietary requirements and religion.
Upon a flight’s departure, the pieces of information are transferred within 15 minutes. The US would be allowed to retain the passenger information for a total of 15 years, up from the current agreement of a three year maximum.
EU officials are concerned that the deal will infringe upon EU citizens’ privacy rights. However, with the interim deal expiring this month, US officials have threatened to block any airline that does not comply with the new agreement. EU national parliaments are expected to study the ramifications of such an agreement and deliver a final endorsement before the end of July.
To Secure Borders, Programs Necessary
The recent crisis in the UK has caused the US to increase physical security measures at airports, including armed guards and air marshals. Along with bolstering physical security, securing air travel also relies on tracking passenger information. Thus, the extensions of the two programs should continue to provide security agencies with necessary systems that could help prevent terrorists from entering the US.