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This article focuses on the growing role of the European Union in the control of the European space and the securitization of its external borders. It starts with an ana­lysif of the changes in the modes of public action in the field of security, underlining the shift from a « police » logic – based on the monopolisation of the legitimate means of physical coercion – towards a “policing” logic – which relies on the mass use of tech­niques of social control. Then, we question the impact of these developments on the na­ture of democracy relation, using as a case study the processing of Passenger Name Records (PNR) for law enforcement purposes. This casts a light on how security practices invade citizens’ daily lives, and suggests a re-evaluation of existing funda­mental rights, and in particular the rights of privacy and data protection.

After 9/11, states looked at transportation as if it was a matter of paying taxes: “We cannot make it fun, but we can make it efficient.” When traveling, we are asked to pass on data, give body samples, and pass through body scanners in the name of the general interest and in the name of our safety. Technology complements existing human checks and controls. Here we take a fresh look at the new security apparatuses and make transportation of humans more passenger-centered. Consumer protection law might help to complement the existing use of data protection law principles by citizen organizations. It should be possible to satisfy consumer needs, without forgetting the perspective of the citizen.