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 30 August 2008 13:16 BST

Watchdog to probe Heathrow passenger fingerprint plans

Sunday, 23 Mar 2008 11:37
Data protection watchdog to investigate plans to fingerprint passengers at Heathrow's new Terminal 5
The data protection watchdog is to investigate plans to fingerprint passengers at Heathrow's new Terminal 5.

Airport operator BAA is keen to install new security protocol that sees all passengers' fingerprints checked at their boarding gate to ensure the person who checked in is the same person boarding the aircraft.

But the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned BAA that its proposals could contravene the Data Protection Act.

The plans will see all domestic passengers and international passengers transferring onto internal flights at the new £4.3 billion terminal fingerprinted when they go through security, before being checked at the gate.

BAA says the "biometric element" of the scheme reduces the chance that a terrorist could board a plan after exchanging boarding passes with a colleague in the departure lounge.

But deputy information commissioner David Smith has criticised the plans, telling the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "We want to know why Heathrow needs to fingerprint passengers at all.

"Taking photographs is less intrusive. So far we have not heard BAA's case for requesting fingerprints.

"If we find there is a breach of data protection legislation, we would hope to persuade them to put things right.

"If that is not successful we can issue an enforcement notice. If they don't comply, it is a criminal offence and they can be prosecuted."

In response, a BAA spokesman said: "The data is encrypted immediately and is destroyed within 24 hours of use, in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

"It does not include personal details nor is it cross-referenced with any other database."

Terminal 5, which was officially opened by the Queen earlier this month, will begin scheduled operations on Thursday.End of story


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