Washington Post reported it, and all other news agencies picked it up today that TSA (Transport Security Agency) is going ahead with its plans for color-coding each passenger based on perceived security risks of each of them. Presumably, frequent fliers, for example, can provide personal information in advance and get their background checked. For others, the airline will provide the available personal information to TSA and their computer formula will assign a color-based specific risk code to the passenger.
I can understand the point of civil liberatarians about abuse and incorrect tagging of passengers, however, at the same time, I feel if such a system is implemented, I would be more than willing to get my background information verified before I arrive at the airport so that I don’t have to spend more time in security procedures at the airport. I would think it will be the same response for anyone who has nothing to hide.
You have to give the government personal information about yourself to get a drivers license, to register to vote, to obtain a business license, to get work permits (sherrif's cards) for various forms of employment, to get a passport, etc., etc., etc. I don't see why giving background info in order to fly on an airline should be so controversial.
As I read the article, people would actually have a choice as to whether they wished to voluntarily provide certain types of personal information. If you provide it and you are filtered through the system so that an initial determination of your threat to security can be determined in advance of check in, you get quicker and less invasive treatment at the airport. That sounds like a pretty good common sense step. It's ridiculous when you see some 75 year old wheel chair bound grandmother being searched at the airports today slowing things down for everyone.
My main concern would be that there might be a tendency to let down your guard too much at the airport when screeing people who register as the frequent traveler. Some sleeper cell guy/gal could exploit the frequent traveler program to obtain a low security threat rating and work the system.