What is Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System?

The Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System is a counter-terrorism system in place in the United States air travel industry. The United States Transportation Security Administration maintains a watchlist, pursuant to 49 USC § 114 , of "individuals known to pose, or suspected of posing, a risk of air piracy or terrorism or a threat to airline or passenger safety." The list is used to pre-emptively identify terrorists attempting to buy airline tickets or board aircraft traveling in the United States, and to mitigate perceived threats.