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Key Points

The Trump administration has officially terminated the Quiet Skies passenger surveillance program, which used undercover air marshals to monitor potential security risks during flights. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the program's $200 million annual cost and its failure to prevent terrorist attacks. Initially launched in 2010, the program was first revealed to the public by the Boston Globe in 2018. The decision reflects growing concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of broad surveillance strategies in aviation security.

Key Points: Trump Ends Controversial Quiet Skies Passenger Surveillance Program

  • Trump administration closes controversial Quiet Skies passenger monitoring program
  • DHS reveals program cost $200 million annually
  • Surveillance tracked travelers using advanced identification techniques
  • Program launched in 2010, exposed by Boston Globe in 2018
2 min read

Trump administration shuts down 'Quiet Skies' passenger surveillance program

Trump administration shuts down $200M surveillance program tracking airline passengers, citing ineffectiveness and privacy concerns

"Failed to stop a single terrorist attack - DHS Secretary Kristi Noem"

New York, June 7

The Trump administration has closed a controversial program that used undercover US air marshals on flights to surveil passengers, and removed a government official who took responsibility for putting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in it.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem called for an investigation into the program as she announced its closure on Thursday. DHS said the program cost taxpayers $200 million a year and "failed to stop a single terrorist attack."

In a recent meeting, administration officials confronted leadership at the Transportation Security Administration over what they said was politically motivated use of the Quiet Skies program under the Biden administration, Xinhua news agency reported quoting The Wall Street Journal. "The clash over Quiet Skies, a program that has long been a cause for concern for civil liberties advocates, is the latest example of the Trump administration accusing career officials of political weaponization," it noted.

The program was launched in 2010, and its existence was first uncovered by the Boston Globe in 2018. Undercover US air marshals travel on flights with individuals included in the program.

Quiet Skies works to identify travelers who could present an elevated risk to aviation security. The program employs analysts and undercover air marshals to monitor people in airports and during flights, using outstanding warrants, facial recognition software, identification of suspicious travel patterns and behaviors, and other data to try to prevent terrorist attacks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Trump administration shutting down the 'Quiet Skies' program:
R
Rajesh K.
Interesting move! $200 million per year with zero results is unacceptable. In India we've seen how security theater can waste taxpayer money. Hope our agencies learn from this - security must be effective, not just for show. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Civil liberties vs security is always tricky. After 26/11, we Indians understand the need for vigilance, but mass surveillance without results? Not acceptable. The US should share lessons learned with global partners.
A
Amit S.
Why does this remind me of our own Aadhaar debates? 🤔 Surveillance programs need strict oversight. $200M could have funded actual counter-terrorism. Hope Indian agencies note this before implementing similar schemes at our airports.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who travels frequently to the US, I'm relieved. The program sounded stressful for innocent travelers. But hope they replace it with something more targeted - we can't compromise on aviation security after 9/11 and Mumbai attacks.
V
Vikram J.
The political angle here is concerning. If true that it was used against political figures, that's dangerous for democracy. India should watch this case closely as we approach election season - security tools must never become political weapons.
N
Neha P.
Facial recognition + behavioral tracking sounds like sci-fi! But if it didn't stop any attacks in 12 years, good riddance. Maybe invest that money in better airport staff training instead? Our CISF does excellent work with human intelligence.

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