HOMELAND POLICE STORING WHAT AIR PASSENGERS READ IN THEIR FILES

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RYAN SINGEL, WIRED - International travelers concerned about being
labeled a terrorist or drug runner by secret Homeland Security
algorithms may want to be careful what books they read on the plane.
Newly revealed records show the government is storing such information
for years.

Privacy advocates obtained database records showing that the government
routinely records the race of people pulled aside for extra screening as
they enter the country, along with cursory answers given to U.S. border
inspectors about their purpose in traveling. In one case, the records
note Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder John Gilmore's choice of
reading material, and worry over the number of small flashlights he'd
packed for the trip.

The breadth of the information obtained by the Gilmore-funded Identity
Project (using a Privacy Act request) shows the government's screening
program at the border is actually a "surveillance dragnet," according to
the group's spokesman Bill Scannell.

"There is so much sensitive information in the documents that it is
clear that Homeland Security is not playing straight with the American
people," Scannell said. . .

One report about Gilmore notes: "PAX (passenger) has many small
flashlights with pot leaves on them. He had a book entitled 'Drugs and
Your Rights.'" Gilmore is an advocate for marijuana legalization.

Another inspection entry noted that Gilmore had "attended computer
conference in Berlin and then traveled around Europe and Asia to visit
friends. 100% baggage exam negative. Resides 554 Clay Street , San
Francisco, CA. PAX is self employed 'Entrepreneur' in computer software
business."

"They are noting people's race and they are writing down what people
read," Scannell said.

http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/news/2007/09/flight_tracking

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