Breaking News For ACTE Members
June 24, 2004

Corporate Privacy Policies And Travel Policies Need Stronger Link

Alexandria, VA (June 24) -- While the privacy issue has again surfaced in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration and the alleged unauthorized sharing of sensitive passenger data by carriers and reservations systems companies, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives believes the time has come to replace the hypothetical bridge between corporate privacy policies and travel policies with something more substantial than a general understanding.

Nancy Holtzman, ACTE's executive director, today said:

"The stance taken by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives regarding the sharing of sensitive business traveler information between segments of the transportation industry and TSA is well known. ACTE has been and is primarily concerned with the financial impact programs like CAPPS II and Registered Traveler will exert on corporations in terms of cost (i.e. the price of the process, delays, penalties, and resolution).

"It's obvious to everyone in the industry, however, that continual crossover into the privacy sector seems inevitable -- more so on a procedural basis than a philosophical one. ACTE formed an exclusive alliance with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) on May 14, 2004 to define the overlap of corporate travel policies and privacy policies. We'll be relying on this relationship for an evaluation of the current situation.

"ACTE membership surveys conducted throughout the past year indicate that confidence in the TSA is eroded by the lack of information or contradictory disclosures. Recent developments may lead to redefining the parameters of personal information or more stringent company policy."