So, somewhere out there, my name has gotten onto a government watch list. Not me, mind you -- just my name. Which means that, about half the time (and, no, using my middle initial doesn't always help), I have to check in at the counter rather than using a kiosk or the Internet. There then ensues endless typing of info from my Drivers License so that the TSA Mothership can declare me not to be an Enemy of the State (today).
Then I heard a news blurb on NPR driving home yesterday that indicated that Homeland Security might be willing to do something about it -- essentially by letting folks key in their birth date online or at kiosks to (somehow) prove they are who they are.
Each airline will now be able to create a system to verify and securely store a passenger’s date of birth to clear up watch list misidentifications. By voluntarily providing this limited biographical data to an airline and verifying that information once at the ticket counter, travelers that were previously inconvenienced on every trip will now be able to check-in online or at remote kiosks.
“Hassles due to misidentification and the resulting necessity to stand in line to check in at the ticket counter is consistently among the deepest – and most valid – complaints of the traveling public,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Thousands of passengers are inconvenienced each day, and this change should provide a way to eliminate the vast majority of these situations. This is good for travelers and for security, because as we make the checkpoint environment calmer, it becomes easier to spot individuals with hostile intent.”
Um ... not sure how that Proves I'm a Nice Guy and all that. I mean, if I were Dave Hill, Secret Naughty Terrorist, I could find out Dave Hill, Nice Guy's birthday without too much difficulty and get around the system. Right?
Oops. I've said too much.
The program is currently voluntary with the airlines -- and it appears that the airlines themselves will each have to "verify" me (i.e., see my photo ID once to prove my DoB, and keep the info on record), so DH-IMM will likely have to keep flashing his drivers license for some time to come.
More:
New US airport security measures announced
New technology, rules aim to ease air travel aggravation - CNN.com
Changes to the Terrorist Watch List - WMAR ABC2 News Baltimore Maryland
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You're gonna love this: http://www.boingboing.net/2008/05/01/dhs-grounds-air-mars.html
Federal Air Marshals are also denied boarding because their names resemble those on the no-fly list.
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