Why the US can't be trusted with our personal data

[Kellanved]

Recently, the European Commission announced — over vocal objections by the European Parliament and its own advisory group — that it will permit the United States government direct access to airline passenger data.

This means that before you fly to or via the United States, details of your reservation, including credit card number, flying history and even meal preferences, will be transmitted to the US government for "screening" and will be retained in a database for a minimum of 3.5 years up to an indefinite period.

This is not the time to be turning over the personal data of European residents to the American government.

First, there is no evidence that collection and monitoring of personal information does anything to stop terrorism. The next terrorist is more likely to be an undocumented student from rural Pakistan than a convicted criminal. He is not going to have charges from Osama's Live Bait and Fertiliser Shop on his American Express card or a subscription to Terrorist Weekly.

...
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=26&story_id=9466

[aden_nak]

1. Another airline security measure to make rich people feel safer.

Don't worry, America. If anyone named "Osama lin Baden" tries to fly into Dulles, we'll catch him!

[gula]

2. Maybe other airlines will follow Iberia's example

Iberia closing Miami airport hub: more here http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-07-05-iberia-mia_x.htm

Why anybody would go to the US at the present time is beyond me, unless they really had to, of course. There isn't a day without some horror story about abuse/mishandling of travelers and not just foreigners either. Time to follow this advice, I think: As the USA puts the squeeze on tourists we find classic America elsewhere: more here http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,10331-1096842,00.html

[tom_paine]

3. What country are they talking about? The "U.S." no longer exists

Imperial Amerika is a Totalitarian Managed Democracy, and as such sould NEVER be allowed unfettered access to anyone;s data, let alone citizens of the Free World.

Though I think if the Ethic of Imperial Amerika spreads, the Free World won't be free much longer.

[duckman]

4. class action

all the credit card companies should be sued, it is they who have let all our info loose!