DHS allows more time for input on traveler screening program

The Homeland Security Department on Tuesday extended the deadline for public comments on a program that allows government officials to gather, store and share information about travelers for up to 40 years.

The department will accept comments about a month longer than originally planned on a notice to make the public aware of the screening procedures used in the Automated Targeting System. The comment period for the notice, published in the Federal Register on Nov. 2, was slated to end this week, but now will close on Dec. 29.

"In the interest of transparency and because we value the public's comments, the department has decided to grant … the extension," said DHS spokesman Jarrod Agen.

House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., wrote DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff on the original deadline date expressing concern that the data collected for screening purposes will be shared with law enforcement agencies.

Thompson noted that committee staff members toured DHS' National Targeting Center in Northern Virginia and were briefed on the screening system earlier this month. "Serious concerns have arisen that, with respect to U.S. citizens and possibly lawful permanent residents, some elements of ATS as practiced may constitute violations of privacy or civil rights," he wrote.

ATS gathers dozens of types of information on travelers, including dates of intended travel, payment information, billing addresses, one-way ticket purchases, failure to board a flight, seat information and flight upgrades.

Agen said information in the database will be deleted at the discretion of officials at the Customs and Border Protection bureau, which is overseeing the program.

"It is important to note that the data retention depends on its relevance and utility," Agen said. "Accordingly, CBP regularly reviews the data maintained … to ensure its continued relevance and usefulness. If no longer relevant and useful, CBP will delete the information."

ATS can store data for up to 40 years -- a capacity Agen said is valuable to agencies tracking terrorists' travel history for prosecution. Deleting data prematurely could "severely hamper" these efforts, he said.

Thompson said he understands DHS' need to know more about travelers, but added, "The systems must be designed [so] as not to violate the rights of U.S. citizen travelers, especially, and must be balanced against overly expansive collection."

He was not alone in his criticism of the program; dozens of comments have already been submitted, most critical of ATS.