Feds Simplify Security Plan

The Homeland Security department unveiled a plan today to screen all airline passengers’ personal data through US watch lists. The proposal, a revision of an earlier plan that provoked congressional action over privacy concerns, will be tested beginning this fall, the AP reports. "Secure Flight will not harm personal passenger privacy," DHS secretary Michael Chertoff said.

The plan requires airlines to submit passenger lists 72 hours before departure and requires travelers to provide full names when they make reservations; they'll be asked to furnish birth date and gender. Chertoff stressed that providing information will be voluntary. He also announced that in 6 months, airlines must begin providing international flight manifests before departure rather than after. (More Michael Chertoff stories.)