Major US airlines selling passenger data to DHS through secret program
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that major U.S. airlines have been sharing detailed passenger data with a little-known broker, which then sells this information directly to the Department of Homeland Security. This means that your domestic flight records are up for sale without your knowledge or consent.
The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), a company jointly owned by several large U.S. airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, and United, is at the center of this controversy. Under the Travel Intelligence Program (TIP), ARC collects and monetizes vast amounts of data from domestic flight bookings, including names, complete itineraries, and payment details. This data is then sold to the Department of Homeland Security, specifically Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to track individuals of interest across the U.S.
While CBP claims that this data is used for criminal and administrative investigations, critics argue that the arrangement raises major privacy concerns. The fact that this data is shared without travelers’ knowledge or consent is alarming. The initial contract between CBP and ARC began in June 2024 and has since been extended, potentially lasting through 2029.
The Travel Intelligence Program goes beyond basic passenger manifests and includes over a billion records spanning past and future travel, updated daily. The system can be queried by name, credit card, or travel agency. It does not include data from tickets purchased directly through airline websites, focusing instead on bookings made via travel agencies.
To protect your privacy from data brokers, there are several steps you can take. First, book flights directly on airline websites to avoid third-party travel sites that share data with ARC. Consider using virtual or disposable credit cards for bookings, share minimal personal information, and remove your data from the internet using data removal services.
Additionally, use privacy-focused browsers and email services to prevent tracking, and consider using an identity theft protection service to monitor and protect your personal information. These steps can help you take back control of your data and reduce your exposure to data brokers.
The ARC incident highlights the growing trend of federal agencies purchasing sensitive data from private firms without informed consent. Travelers are becoming data points in a vast ecosystem where information is currency. It is essential to be aware of these privacy concerns and take steps to protect your personal data when booking flights.
Would you change how you book flights to protect your personal data? Let us know your thoughts and concerns by reaching out to us at Cyberguy.com. Stay informed and proactive in safeguarding your privacy in an increasingly data-driven world.
