Jaunted

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The TSA Knows You Like the Aisle Seat

And you thought the TSA was bad when it was swiping your snow globes. But at this rate, the agency might soon come to an airport bathroom near you to keep an eye on things. (Cue Senator Craig joke.)

According to the Washington Post, Kip Hawley and his bosses at the Department of Homeland Security are also adding to their secret files every time you take a trip. While this has been going on for years, it wasn't common knowledge that the DHS was tracking travelers so closely:

The DHS database generally includes "passenger name record" (PNR) information, as well as notes taken during secondary screenings of travelers. PNR data -- often provided to airlines and other companies when reservations are made -- routinely include names, addresses and credit-card information, as well as telephone and e-mail contact details, itineraries, hotel and rental car reservations, and even the type of bed requested in a hotel.

While many are concerned about privacy rights, this data could potentially be used to restrict freedom of travel. (Imagine coming back to the States after a trip to, say, Iran.) More on the revelations:
· Collecting of Details on Travelers Documented [WaPo]
· Big Brother Tracks Your Travel Habits [WorldHum]
· The TSA Has Your Reading List [Consumerist]
· The Now-Laughable TSA Privacy Office [Official Site]
· TSA coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: dark_mephi]