How Technology Can Help Make Air Travel Safe Again

• NCJ Number: 193452
• Author(s): Robert D. Atkinson
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Progressive Policy Institute
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded March 8, 2002

Annotation

This article examines the use of information technologies to help make airports safe and secure.

Abstract

As the Congress and the administration consider new aviation security legislation, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) recommends the following: require airports and airlines to adopt advanced techniques, including passenger identification system using smart cards and biometric authentication systems; direct the FAA to evaluate the technical feasibility costs and benefits of upgrading airport scanning technology; provide funding for the deployment of technologies at airports; provide funding to develop a facial identification system in airports; and require that any biometric or smart card applications being deployed with Federal funding are compatible with a wide array of governmental and commercial areas, not just airlines and airports. The decision to deploy advanced technology at airports should be made on the basis of its ability to improve airport security. But it is also important to understand that this technology investment could have three important additional benefits that policy makers should take into consideration. First, these technologies can increase convenience at airports. Second, aggressive deployment of biometric, smart card based authentication systems at airports could give a major boost to breaking the “chicken and egg” conundrum that holds back the deployment of these technologies in the wider marketplace. For example, the use of smart cards could have a large economic impact and productivity benefits, but their use is limited because it is dependent upon its adoption by users and providers at the same time. Three, new investments in airport security technology will provide needed stimulus to the economy generally and the information technology sector in particular. There are some potential concerns with deploying airport security technology, which includes the argument that the technology is not needed, that it is inaccurate, and that it will invade a person’s privacy. If these technologies are used, governments will have to educate the public on how they will increase security and protect privacy and civil liberties. 6 Notes