International Travel Aviation Rules: The Indian government has taken a big step to collect private data related to people traveling abroad. Now the Customs Department will have to compulsorily share important information related to the travel of passengers associated with airlines. The government has taken this decision with the aim of monitoring activities like smuggling. This data will be stored for five years and can be shared with other law enforcement agencies if needed.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has asked all airlines with foreign routes to register on the new portal ‘NCTC Pax’ by January 10. After this, data sharing will be started with some airlines as a pilot project from February 10. According to the information, the aim of the government is to implement this system completely from April 1. The main reason for this change is to monitor smuggling and timely detection of suspicious activities.
Collection of 19 types of data under the new rule
Under this new rule, 19 types of data will be collected. This will include passenger’s name, date of journey, date of ticket purchase, information about benefits like free tickets and upgrades, seat information and personal details given by the passenger. Apart from this, information about the traveller’s travel plan, travel agent information and payment method will also be collected.
This information will be analyzed by the Customs Department from time to time. If any suspicious activity is detected in the travel pattern of any passenger, an immediate investigation will be initiated. This will not only help in monitoring smuggling but will also make it easier to detect suspicious activities in time. Along with this, the change in travel details of the passenger will also have to be informed to the customs department.
Government’s new initiative to increase security
The aim of the government is to increase security in the country and stop activities like smuggling. However, some people are worried about the collection of their personal information on this initiative. This new step is being said to be very important from the security point of view, but along with it the rights of the passengers will also be taken care of. The government has ensured that this data will be handled under proper security protocols and will not be shared unnecessarily.
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