Slate Business What Next: TBD | Airlines Are Selling Your Data to the Government
Jun 22, 2025
Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media and co-host of the 404 Media Podcast, dives deep into the unsettling practice of airlines selling passenger data to Customs and Border Protection without consent. He discusses the lack of transparency and ethical concerns surrounding this data transaction. The conversation highlights the troubling implications for personal privacy and the ability of law enforcement to access data without warrants. Public outrage is mounting as consumers realize their travel information is under constant government scrutiny.
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ARC's Role and Ownership
- Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) acts as a middleman between travel agencies and airlines, aggregating ticket data.
- ARC's ownership by major airlines enables them to collect and monetize extensive flight itinerary data.
Travel Data Includes Future Plans
- ARC sells detailed travel data showing not only past flights but future travel plans.
- This kind of forward-looking data is highly valuable to law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Secrecy in Data Sales
- ARC requested confidentiality to prevent public knowledge about selling data to government agencies.
- This secrecy raises significant concerns about transparency and informed consent for passengers.