WATCH: TSA under fire for covert in-flight surveillance programme

Watch the video below to find out why the US Transport Security Administration is being widely criticised by civil rights groups after a covert monitoring programme came to light in the US media.

The TSA is reportedly using an algorithm to flag flyers for surveillance – including those without a criminal record and not on any terrorist screening databases.

The Boston Globe reported that federal air marshals shadow travellers on their flights and report any suspicious behaviour – such as excessive fidgeting or sweating, a cold, penetrating stare or suspicious smartphone use.

Some air marshals have objected to the ‘Quiet Skies’ programme, US media outlets have reported.

The TSA denies it is using racial profiling and told the BBC that “the programme is a practical method of keeping another act of terrorism from occurring at 30,000 feet.”

“This programme’s core design is no different than putting a police officer on a beat where intelligence and other information presents the need for watch and deterrence.” TSA statement issued to the BBC

Only now coming to light the Open Skies programme has been in place since 2010.

Listen to the IFSEC Insider podcast!

Each month, the IFSEC Insider (formerly IFSEC Global) Security in Focus podcast brings you conversations with leading figures in the physical security industry. Covering everything from risk management principles and building a security culture, to the key trends ahead in tech and initiatives on diversity and inclusivity, the podcast keeps security professionals up to date with the latest hot topics in the sector.

Available online, and on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, tune in for an easy way to remain up to date on the issues affecting your role.

Listen to the podcast today