"Privacy is a matter of the utmost priority, but the government will not meet that priority by choosing one technology over another at this stage," said ITAA Senior Vice President Joe Tasker. "With the right policies and procedures in place, more than one technology can authenticate a person's identity and keep personal information secure at the same time. We are sure that the government recognizes the importance of this mission. The time has come for an informed review of concrete proposals. ITAA urges the Departments to issue appropriate requests for proposals and let responders offer technology solutions that can be considered and ultimately selected."
The Association's letter followed a debate over whether radio frequency identification or smartcard technology would better protect personal information while helping to implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The initiative will for the first time require all foreigners and U.S. citizens to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes a bearer's identity and nationality when traveling to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada.
"ITAA believes the current debate should focus less on the relative merits of different technologies and more on the performance requirements necessary for a successful program," the Association wrote. "We would urge DHS and State to provide performance objectives for this program that are technology-neutral, ensure program efficiency, and which provide appropriate privacy measures."
