An easy path for terrorists

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

An easy path for terrorists
By Bruce Schneier  |  August 24, 2004

IF YOU FLY OUT of Logan Airport and don't want to take off your shoes
for the security screeners and get your bags opened up, pay
attention. The US government is testing its "Trusted Traveler"
program, and Logan is the fourth test airport. Currently, only
American Airlines frequent fliers are eligible, but if all goes well
the program will be opened up to more people and more airports.

Participants provide their name, address, phone number, and birth
date, a set of fingerprints, and a retinal scan. That information is
matched against law enforcement and intelligence databases. If the
applicant is not on any terrorist watch list and is otherwise an
upstanding citizen, he gets a card that allows him access to a
special security lane. The lane doesn't bypass the metal detector or
X-ray machine for carry-on bags, but it bypasses more intensive
secondary screening unless there's an alarm of some kind.

Unfortunately, this program won't make us more secure. Some
terrorists will be able to get Trusted Traveler cards, and they'll
know in advance that they'll be subjected to less stringent security.

...

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/ 
08/24/an_easy_path_for_terrorists/


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