Primary Lessons Learned from the TSA Laptop Mess (Part 2)

A couple of weeks ago, I read about the demise of the Verified Identity Pass, Inc.'s Fly Clear program.   This was a program working with TSA on the Registered Traveler service.  Back in August 2008, I wrote how VIP and TSA had no accountability for losing a laptop with personal information of over 33,000 applicants.  There is an additional lesson to be learned on top those from of my original article.  If the public can't trust you with their personal information, they are not going to buy your product or service in the long run.  That's why you need security and accountability when handling personal information.  I am just glad that I didn't give in to the temptation of using their service.  I have yet to hear about what is going to happen with the information of all applicants now that the company has gone away?  Will it be sold?  Will it be given to TSA for safekeeping?  Will it be destroyed and the applicants notified? 

Comments

[Len]

It would be a fair guess that some of that information has already been "brokered" in some way. As far the TSA being the safekeeper of this, their track record indicates that this information will find it's way in other databases if it hasn't already. Even the TSA's best effort to protect this sort of thing would be beyond their capabilities.

Wasn't there something being discussed for travelers that have security clearances here in the US? The thinking was that if they are "cleared" then they not a threat or something along those lines.

[John Dittmer]

Len:

I had proposed the concept for a reduced rate for those with security clearances. However, I think that there's really no traction for the idea now, especially since VIP is now out of business and no one is really doing the Registered Traveller service at this point. However, for $29 a pop, you can go through the speed line for many of the airlines. I did it with my family on a United flight from LAX back in May and I didn't have to provide any extra information.