Airlines Selling Passenger Data to ICE: Privacy Concerns Raised

Airlines and online travel agencies are reportedly selling passenger data to US government agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to assist in deportation efforts. This information comes from a recent report, which details how passenger data—including flight itineraries, names, and financial information—is funneled into a secretive government intelligence program. "Essentially, if you bought a flight through Booking.com or Expedia, your data is in the hands of ICE," explains Aaron Parnas, a journalist who reported on the findings. The Airlines Reporting Corporation acts as an intermediary between travel agencies and airlines, passing on this sensitive information. This raises concerns about passenger privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data in immigration enforcement. The full report is available on Parnas' Substack.