Domestic threats will shape profiling of air passengers

Mumbai/New Delhi: The facility for profiling passengers — the Advance Passenger Information Control System (APICS) — being considered for implementation at Indian airports will focus on risk parameters specific to Indian security requirements.
Under the system, passengers will have to submit certain personal details to the airline they are flying with. The details will be transmitted to the destination prior to their arrival.
A senior customs officer in Mumbai said the data analysis system is not aimed at profiling specific communities. “But obviously, it may trouble some communities.”
The officer said the system will have airport-specific profiling patterns. “For instance, in Kolkata, the APICS database will be oriented to profile more citizens from the Northeast for thorough examination.” In Chennai, it will be programmed to identify operatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
“In Delhi and Mumbai, the system will lookout for possible Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Al Qaeda operatives,” the officer said.
30/08/06 Renni Abraham/Rajesh Sinha/Daily News & Analysis

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