"Quiet Skies" TSA surveillance program criticized for tracking US citizens

A domestic surveillance program of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is criticized for tracking information from US citizens who are not suspected of crimes. The program has sparked criticism within the agency, according to CBS News sources.

The "Quiet Skies" program, as reported in the Boston Globe, uses a computer algorithm to track travelers, including US citizens. activities correspond to information on current threats. These flyers are reviewed by a human team that checks the information and if anything in the background of the instigator raises concerns, this leaflet may be monitored by the Federal Marshals

. TSA said in a statement to CBS News "ensure that passengers and crew members are protected during air travel", adding that this does not take into account race and religion and is not intended to watch ordinary Americans. This is a practical way to prevent another terrorist act from occurring at 30,000 feet.

Those familiar with the program said that "Quiet Skies" comply with security and privacy requirements. One source said that the "Quiet Skies" team should be prepared to justify why a person is being questioned if it is disputed.

If a flyer is on the list for a while and moves without incident, it is automatically removed from the list. Some in the field of security believe that this creates a certain level of risk because if the person being monitored is a sleeping agent, they can successfully fly under the radar. The "Quiet Skies" program has been in existence since 2010 and the TSA says Congress and airlines have been informed about the program over the last 12 to 18 months.

An American official said that there was "a very small list" of flyers and that it was probably smaller than the "19459006" number of the TSA that tracks travelers who have a bad behavior in airports. Fewer than 50 people are currently on this list

At least one Damage Commissioner has lodged a complaint with the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security about the program, saying that it is safe. 39 is a waste of time, money and manpower. Kris Van Cleave contributed to this report.