Proposed ATS Exemption Creates Privacy Concerns, Says EPIC
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) voiced concern with the Department of Homeland Security's proposed continued exemption of the Automated Targeting System (ATS) from provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.
ATS compares existing information on individuals and cargo entering and exiting the country with patterns identified as requiring additional scrutiny. The patterns are based on CBP officer experience, analysis of trends of suspicious activity, and raw intelligence corroborating those trends.
EPIC said CBP should cease retaining personal information on American citizens in the ATS and significantly narrow the Privacy Act exemptions for the system if the proposal goes forward. EPIC also said the proposed routine uses and exemptions are unlawful.