Key facts
- The SEC subscribed to Airlines Reporting Corporation's Travel Intelligence Program.
- The program contained over one billion airline ticket records, including names and credit card numbers.
- The SEC's subscription included an alert system for new bookings by monitored individuals.
- This data was likely acquired without a warrant.
- ARC will cease selling this data in 2025 due to pressure from lawmakers.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has purchased access to a vast database containing over one billion airline ticket records, according to documents obtained by 404 Media. The data, sourced from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), includes passenger names, credit card details, and travel routes. ARC, which is co-owned by Delta, United, and American Airlines, resold booking information from various travel agencies and platforms.
The SEC's subscription to ARC's Travel Intelligence Program also featured an alert system designed to flag new bookings made by individuals on a monitored list, providing travel information from the previous 24 hours. This data acquisition was reportedly done without a court order, exploiting what critics call the 'data broker loophole.'
ARC stated that the program was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and has likely aided in preventing and apprehending criminals involved in money laundering and terrorism. However, pressure from lawmakers has led ARC to cease selling this data in 2025. The IRS has also been expanding its surveillance of crypto investors using similar data-buying tactics, raising concerns about the line between financial regulation and broad surveillance.