VIP, after initially offering no details on its plans for the collected data, has been more forthcoming over the past few days. In a note posted on the company's Web site, VIP assured customers that their information is being secured in conformity with the TSA's security and privacy requirements. The note also said the company is using a "triple wipe" process to completely erase hard disks containing customer data at airports.
In addition, Lockheed Martin, the lead systems integrator for the Clear program, "remains committed" to protecting the privacy of information stored on VIP's central databases, the note said.
Despite such assurances, the company left open the possibility that the data could end up being acquired or sold to a third-party, but only if it was going to be used for a registered traveler program.
"If the information is not used for a Registered Traveler program, it will be deleted," VIP said.