Interesting about the downplaying of the ID authentication. I suddenly realized what would make me happier with this whole security setup; one of these two things:
1. I would consent to their searches if I did not have to identify myself (and they made no attempt to identify me). This seems practical, as Schneier suggests, because your identity doesn't really matter as long as you've been screened.
2. They adopt rigorous authentication procedures and authorize me to pass without undressing, scanning, swiping, etc. My hunch is that this wouldn't be too effective a preventive tactic, but what do I know...
I'm much more into (1), personally, but I'll take anything that makes travel less cumbersome.
I think (1) is already somewhat true, unless they changed a rule recently. I flew in 2006 out of Boston Logan with a friend who had forgotten all of his identification (save his boarding pass and maybe a college ID.) You can bet they frisked him and patted him down to high heck, but he was still allowed on his flight.
Same report by a friend who flew with an expired driver's license (unrealized until he got to the ID check). They did pull him aside for further questioning and more thorough screening, but he was ultimately allowed to fly.
he fact that the agent groping my genitals or looking at my x-ray doesn't know my name doesn't make me feel any better.
FWIW I took a short trip recently and opted for groping over porno-scan at both airports. No one touched my junk (though they came close), perhaps because when they asked if there were any parts of my body that were sensitive I said, "Yes, my nuts."
1. I would consent to their searches if I did not have to identify myself (and they made no attempt to identify me). This seems practical, as Schneier suggests, because your identity doesn't really matter as long as you've been screened.
2. They adopt rigorous authentication procedures and authorize me to pass without undressing, scanning, swiping, etc. My hunch is that this wouldn't be too effective a preventive tactic, but what do I know...
I'm much more into (1), personally, but I'll take anything that makes travel less cumbersome.