Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a New Approval of Information Collection: International Traveler Information Card
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to make sure their workers, who travel to other countries for work, are safe. They're collecting some personal information, like names and contact details, in case they need help if they get stuck or lost while away.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments for a new information collection initiative called the International Traveler Information Card (ITIC). This initiative aims to gather critical personal information from FAA employees and contractors who travel overseas for work, so they can be identified and assisted if isolated in a foreign country. The collected data will help provide rescue and support services if necessary. The comment window for this proposal closes on January 10, 2025.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on May 1, 2024, and no comments were received. The collection involves obtaining information from FAA employees and contractors who will travel overseas on official business. The information to be collected will be used in the event an FAA employee and/or contractor is isolated overseas and requires lifesaving assistance. This information is necessary to comply with Federal law, which require Federal agencies to have personnel information on file in case of an isolating event overseas.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, inviting public comments on a new information collection initiative. This initiative, named the International Traveler Information Card (ITIC), seeks to collect personal information from FAA employees and contractors traveling internationally for official business. This collection aims to facilitate assistance and rescue operations in case these individuals become isolated in foreign countries.
General Summary
The FAA is planning to gather key personal data from its employees and contractors who travel overseas for work purposes. This initiative, known as the International Traveler Information Card (ITIC), is designed to prepare for situations where these individuals may require rescue or lifesaving aid. The proposal encourages public feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and potential impact of this data collection. The deadline for submitting comments is January 10, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document's description of the ITIC. Firstly, the term "lifesaving assistance" is mentioned without a clear explanation of what it entails or how it would be provided in practical terms. This lack of specificity could lead to misunderstandings about the program's objectives.
A notable issue is the comprehensive list of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to be collected, which includes details such as clothing and shoe size, medical conditions, and even a duress word. Given the sensitive nature of this data, more information about the privacy and data protection measures in place would be reassuring to potential participants. Additionally, there is no mention of how long this information will be retained or the security measures in place to protect it.
The document references Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)/PPD-30 as a legal authority for the data collection without further explanation, leaving the rationale for this specific initiative somewhat ambiguous. Furthermore, the estimated number of respondents (35) is derived from previous years' travel statistics, but the rationale behind this figure is not sufficiently elaborated.
Broader Public Impact
The introduction of the ITIC could impact various stakeholders in different ways. For the general public, this initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of government personnel abroad. However, concerns about privacy and data security might resonate with those wary of extensive government data collection efforts.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For FAA employees and contractors, the ITIC presents both potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, the program could offer added protection and reassurance when traveling on official duties by facilitating rescue efforts in adverse scenarios. On the other hand, the extensive nature of data collection might raise concerns about privacy and data management practices.
In summary, while the ITIC aims to enhance safety and support for FAA personnel abroad, clarity regarding the specifics of the program's operation and robust data protection strategies is essential to gain the confidence and cooperation of those affected. Public feedback during the comment period will be crucial in shaping the final implementation of this initiative.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact nature of 'lifesaving assistance' or how it will be provided, which might lead to confusion.
• The description of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that will be collected is extensive; more details on data protection and privacy measures could be helpful to reassure potential participants.
• No information is given on how the information will be kept secure or how long it will be retained, which could raise concerns given the sensitive nature of the data collected.
• The actual necessity of collecting specific personal details (such as clothing and shoe size, or duress word) could be questioned without further context on how these are critical for isolating events recovery.
• The authority cited for this collection, particularly Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)/PPD-30, is not explained in detail, leaving ambiguity about how it mandates or permits this specific information collection.
• The estimated annual burden is provided, but no explanation about how the number of respondents (35) was projected beyond referencing previous years' averages, which could be clearer.