Liberties take back seat to security aims

NEW YORK -- More scrutiny at airports. No coolers or backpacks at baseball stadiums. More information-sharing with law enforcement, with or without search warrants.

The suicide attacks on the nation's landmarks have already prompted some sacrifices of personal liberties. So far, most Americans are accepting them in the interest of the common welfare.

But civil libertarians fear a creeping challenge to the freedoms considered fundamental to the American way of life.

"We can very well accomplish ourselves what the terrorists couldn't do on their own: Destroy the United States as we know it," said Lauren Weinstein, moderator of an online privacy forum. "Even if we don't tear the Constitution up explicitly, we can do it one piece at a time."

Already at airports, passengers are facing tougher measures: Longer lines and more scrutiny at security checkpoints, non-ticketed relatives further restricted from accompanying loved ones to gates.

Internet service providers and car rental companies have turned over information to law enforcement -- sometimes without search warrants, said Larry Ponemon of the Privacy Council, which advises Fortune 1000 companies.

Surveillance increased

"Many of these organizations are cooperating in a way they would never have before," Ponemon said. "From the purely emotional level, you can understand why privacy is being suspended."

Expect more surveillance and access restrictions at sporting events, concerts and shopping malls. When baseball resumes today, fans will no longer be able to take along coolers, backpacks or large bags.

Expect more office buildings to restrict access to the public. Expect fewer places where people can remain anonymous.