The Automated Targeting System (ATS) is a security and tracking program for cargo that DHS has extended to travelers by assigning all who cross the nation's borders, citizen and non-citizen alike, with a computer-generated "risk assessment" score that will be retained for 40 years. This program represents a monumental change that will have profound effects on Americans' privacy. It:
- Will take the unprecedented step of putting the government into the business of creating "security ratings" for millions of its own citizens, and everyone else who crosses the U.S. border.
- Will likely make judgments based on government databases that we know are already riddled with errors.
- Will leave individuals without vital rights to review, correct or challenge security ratings or the information on which they are based.
- Illegitimately claims sweeping exemptions from the Privacy Act, a law that was passed specifically to prevent law enforcement from keeping files or databases on innocent people not suspected of a crime.
Congress needs to intervene and close this program down.
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Backgrounder on ATS
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ PRESS RELEASES
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Lauds Senate Hearing on Government Breaches of Privacy, Says Much-Needed Oversight Long Overdue , 1/10/2007
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Seeks Information on Government Ratings of Travelers, 12/13/2006
> DHS Acknowledges That Terror Ranking Program Is Already in Effect, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Says Program Violates Congressional Spending Ban and Public Notice Requirements, 12/7/2006
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Calls on DHS to Withdraw Plan For Tagging Americans With 40-Year ‘Risk Assessments,’ 12/1/2006
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ DOCUMENTS
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Comments to DHS
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ FOIA Request
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ / Privacy International Letter to European privacy commissioners on the "Automated Targeting System"
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ / Privacy International Letter to Franco Frattini, European Commission, on the "Automated Targeting System"
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SELECTED NEWS LINKS
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
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OTHER RESOURCES
> ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Backgrounder on Aviation Watch Lists
> Airline Security