The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is requesting that the use of a controversial identification document reading device, being deployed at U.S. borders, be temporarily halted until thorough testing can determine if it is a potential source of traveler identity theft. According to published reports, the new device can remotely read highly personal data as an individual approaches U.S. border crossings. If traveling in a car, the device can read data on every individual in the vehicle, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips embedded in passports, passcards, and drivers licenses.

“ACTE is concerned that unauthorized individuals could either resort to electronic eavesdropping at the border, or use similar devices that could extract data from RFID chips at other locations,” said the association’s Executive Director Susan Gurley. “ACTE’s understanding is that the only official travel document currently recognized by the U.S. government for border identification, with an RFID chip, is a U.S. passport, as the data is not readable from any distance.”

Now it appears that RFID technology is being applied to drivers’ licenses and passcards as well. “ACTE believes that the traveling public needs to know what forms of ID have RFID chips in them, and which steps have been taken to prevent remote accessing of data,” said Gurley.

The last public resolution of the RFID passport required the device to be physically opened and inserted into a reader before divulging its contents. This is apparently not the case with the current system of readers.

“We are looking at the same security issue three years later,” said Gurley. “It’s time for a comprehensive security program.”

ACTE is the leading travel industry advocate of data privacy and traveler security. The association has played a vital role in calling U.S. Customs and Border Protection laptop seizure procedures to the attention of Congress and the public. ACTE has also challenged the REAL ID Act of 2005, which would have required some U.S. citizens to use a passport to travel domestically.

ABOUT ACTE: The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the €463 billion business travel industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has representation in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to .

Jack Riepe
ACTE Global Communications Director
610-719-8396
ACTE