US flight screening Invasion of privacy unacceptable

American concern over terrorism is understandable in the aftermath of September 11.

About 3,000 people were killed in the attack on the World Trade Center, the second anniversary of which was marked yesterday. However, despite the devastating impact of this atrocity, invading the privacy of citizens of other countries is simply not acceptable.

US authorities have demanded that Aer Lingus provide them with details of all passengers flying to America from the end of this month, the inference being that they would be denied landing rights in the event of failing to comply.

It is a considerable upper hand to hold over the national airline, especially as such a demand is illegal under EU law and violates the privacy rights of citizens.

Despite this, most other European countries have capitulated to the American insistence.

Unfortunately, the European Commission, which maintains it is endeavouring to negotiate a new agreement with the US authorities, has been little help.

Inevitably, this situation puts Aer Lingus in a difficult position either infringe on their passengers' rights and get them to the States, or uphold their right to privacy with the obvious consequences.

Neither is there much solace in the stance adopted by the EC.

Commissioner Frits Bolkestein has given the US until Christmas to reach an agreement, after which it would then be a matter for the data protection commissioner in individual countries to pursue any airline infringing the privacy laws.

All that will achieve is an inevitable stand-off between airlines and data protection commissioners over something which the airlines are not responsible for and cannot resolve.