"terrorism, terrorism, terrorism, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11"

Ooo - lookie - they're *ALL* exceptional cases

Perhaps the EU should require the same information from airlines on all passengers flying into the EU? Even if they then just shred it (cheaper than storing it), it makes the point to the Americans that their data can be held by other countries. Brazil started fingerprinting Americans at immigration, most of whom seemed to be highly offended by the process, so perhaps that's another thing we could do.

Q. So how exactly is the European Commission protecting our privacy with this new agreement?

A. It isn't. Buggeration!

As far as I can see the US has not given any valid reason for needing all of this data on people wishing to visit the 'Land of the Free' (TM) other than the current moral panic reason of 'counter-terrorism'.

I might be able to buy half the USA with a couple of notes from my pocket these days, but I still think I'll pass.

The land of the spied upon and home of the scared sh*tless holds no attraction for me. There's more freedom in the old Eastern block countries, and more culture.

Do widzenia. ;-)

The EU should have said "no data, no way, never", and stood up to the bullies. Furthermore, the EU should prevent airlines from transferring any data of their own accord. If that means the USA retaliate by refusing landing rights, then so be it.

Nope

The EU is happy to part with this information. I think it fits in well with its plans. I refer to http://www.privacyinternational.org/issues/terrorism/rpt/comparativeterrorreportdec2005.pdf