Airlines could have to provide more data on passengers
to countries under new laws proposed by theEuropean Union.
European officials want law enforcement authorities in member
states to receive Passenger Name Record (PNR) information, which
will include names, passport numbers, addresses, credit card
details, e-mail addresses and phone numbers.
The proposal is one of a raft of measures aimed at combating
terrorism, and means airlines flying both to and from EU member
states will need to provide countries with the information.
They currently have to communicate
Advanced Passenger Information, which is used for fighting
illegal immigration. An EU spokesperson said, "The added value of
the PNR is that it helps identify unknown people and develop risk
indicators."
Passenger Information Units in member states will receive the
data, carry out risk assessments and identify people who will be
subjected to further enquiries upon their arrival or departure from
the country.
The EU said, "It is important that law enforcement authorities
are equipped with the best possible tools to investigate and
prevent terrorist networks. The PNR offers one of those useful
tools."