US airport security’s Quiet Skies programme tracks passengers

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is facing criticism for secretly tracking Americans on flights, US media report.

The “Quiet Skies” programme reportedly uses an unknown algorithm to flag flyers without any criminal record for surveillance on domestic flights.

Air marshals tasked with carrying out surveillance have pushed back against the programme, according to US media.

TSA denies any racial profiling and says it is a “practical” method.

“With routine reviews and active management via legal, privacy and civil rights and liberties offices, the programme is a practical method of keeping another act of terrorism from occurring at 30,000 feet,” the agency said.