The Independent Privacy Ombudsman

Reviewing the details of member privacy complaints objectively, impartially, and in a timely manner is important to us and that's why we have appointed an independent, outside Privacy Ombudsman.

Law Professor Paul Schwartz, noted privacy expert and advocate, is empowered to investigate all privacy complaints, gather the facts, and respond to members, as well as to post responses publicly and prominently on our website. He will also provide Verified ID's management with recommendations for resolving disputes in keeping with our Privacy promises.

If you have a complaint about Clear's privacy practices, please contact Professor Paul Schwartz. You can also write to him at:

Ombudsman
Clear
PO Box 421639
Palm Coast, FL 32142-1639

Letter from Clear's Privacy Ombudsman Regarding Laptop Security Incident at SFO

To: Clear Customers
From: Paul M. Schwartz, Privacy Ombudsman
Date: August 7, 2008
Re: Investigation of Laptop Incident, San Francisco Airport

As privacy ombudsman for Clear customers, I am carrying out an independent investigation of the incident at San Francisco Airport in which Verified Identity Pass, which runs the CLEAR program, could not locate a laptop with some applicants' pre-enrollment information on it. This laptop was ultimately located in the company’s program office at San Francisco Airport on August 5, 2008. In this investigation, my goal is to represent the interests of all Clear customers and report back to you.

A preliminary investigation by Verified Identity Pass of the device has concluded that the laptop was not accessed from the time it was reported as missing to the time of its discovery. The Transportation Security Administration now has custody of the laptop and is carrying out its own forensic investigation of it. The San Mateo Sheriff’s Office is also involved as the lead local law enforcement agency.

Upon conclusion of my investigation, I will post a report on the Flyclear website. In the meantime, I hope that you will contact me with any comments or concerns.