TSA teaches privacy

The Transportation Security Administration embarked on a series of educational programs this week to keep employees informed on privacy issues.

The series, delivered to all TSA employees through Web-based and multimedia classes, focuses on the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974. This week looks at "Respecting Privacy, Preserving Freedom," with an emphasis on the proper handling of personal information and providing protections for travelers going through airport security, TSA officials said.

"This week is an opportunity for all TSA employees to sharpen their awareness of how to deliver security while preserving privacy," TSA's acting administrator Rear Adm. David Stone said. "This kickoff period will signal the beginning of an ongoing commitment to privacy awareness and education for all TSA employees."

The training courses are one piece of TSA's five-point plan to tackle privacy issues. The plan also includes: appointing an external privacy advisory board, disseminating a privacy statement specific to the tasks at TSA, enforcing specific internal controls on use of private information and hiring a privacy officer.