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CRYPTO-GRAM
December 15, 2005
by Bruce Schneier

Australian Minister's Sensible Comments on Airline Security Spark Outcry

Three weeks ago, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone caused a stir by 
ridiculing airplane security in a public speech. She derided much of 
post-9/11 airline security, especially the use of plastic knives 
instead of metal ones, and said "a lot of what we do is to make people 
feel better as opposed to actually achieve an outcome."

As a foreigner, I know very little about Australian politics. I don't 
know anything about Senator Vanstone, her politics, her policies, or 
her party. I have no idea what she stands for. But as a security 
technologist, I agree 100% with her comments. Most airplane security is 
what I call "security theater": ineffective measures designed to make 
people feel better about flying.

http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0512.html