Promotion of information exchange and support for the establishment of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems in the OSCE Area

The objective of this project, implemented by the Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security and Management Unit (TNTD/BSMU), is to support the capability of the OSCE participating States to collect and exchange information to assess the terrorist threat, including through the promotion of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems at airport border control points.

Background

In recent years, the collection and use of API data by government authorities for the purposes of exit, entry and transit control of air passengers has become increasingly important for ensuring national security. API systems can be an effective instrument in preventing the travel of potential foreign terrorist fighters and other individuals who might be involved in terrorist activities and transnational organized crime. Consequently, border and aviation security are significantly strengthened especially when used in conjunction with multilateral law enforcement databases, such as the one of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

An API system is an electronic communications system that collects passenger biographical data and basic flight details provided by airline operators. The data are generally collected from the passenger’s passport or other government-issued travel documents. Airline communication networks then transmit the data to border control agencies in the destination country or country of origin before the flight’s departure or its arrival at the airport of destination. Once transmitted, the data are then, in practice, checked by the relevant control agencies against various sanctions and watch lists used for immigration, customs and security purposes. If the check reveals that a traveller’s name appears on a watch list, the authorities in the arrival or transit country will have the information necessary to determine an appropriate course of action, i.e., to detain  and question the individual.

Expected Results

This project aims for key stakeholders to have a thorough understanding of the function and benefits API provides with regard to combatting terrorism and transnational crime and significantly enhancing border and aviation security. Human rights implications arising within such a context, particularly in relation to data protection and the right to privacy, will also be highlighted. In addition, the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation will gather extensive knowledge concerning the existing shortcomings that hinder information exchange between them and the current opportunities to improve regional co-operation in the joint efforts to combat terrorism.

The project implementation will consist of two main initiatives: 1) the organization of three-day workshops in Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia in order to support the establishment of API systems; 2) the organization of seminars on information exchange mechanisms targeting all OSCE participating States.

Background

In recent years, the collection and use of API data by government authorities for the purposes of exit, entry and transit control of air passengers has become increasingly important for ensuring national security. API systems can be an effective instrument in preventing the travel of potential foreign terrorist fighters and other individuals who might be involved in terrorist activities and transnational organized crime. Consequently, border and aviation security are significantly strengthened especially when used in conjunction with multilateral law enforcement databases, such as the one of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

An API system is an electronic communications system that collects passenger biographical data and basic flight details provided by airline operators. The data are generally collected from the passenger’s passport or other government-issued travel documents. Airline communication networks then transmit the data to border control agencies in the destination country or country of origin before the flight’s departure or its arrival at the airport of destination. Once transmitted, the data are then, in practice, checked by the relevant control agencies against various sanctions and watch lists used for immigration, customs and security purposes. If the check reveals that a traveller’s name appears on a watch list, the authorities in the arrival or transit country will have the information necessary to determine an appropriate course of action, i.e., to detain  and question the individual.

Expected Results

This project aims for key stakeholders to have a thorough understanding of the function and benefits API provides with regard to combatting terrorism and transnational crime and significantly enhancing border and aviation security. Human rights implications arising within such a context, particularly in relation to data protection and the right to privacy, will also be highlighted. In addition, the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation will gather extensive knowledge concerning the existing shortcomings that hinder information exchange between them and the current opportunities to improve regional co-operation in the joint efforts to combat terrorism.

The project implementation will consist of two main initiatives: 1) the organization of three-day workshops in Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia in order to support the establishment of API systems; 2) the organization of seminars on information exchange mechanisms targeting all OSCE participating States.