Last-minute security regs rankle business

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- New security policies instituted by the Bush administration requiring new types of electronic records from businesses hurt competitiveness, critics say.

Through the rule changes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now has the authority to collect electronic data on private planes, imported cargo, foreign visitors and federal contractors, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Some of the affected businesses say the new policies are costly and raise concerns that sensitive competitive information could be released if databases are lost or stolen.

"Industry keeps reaching out to (Homeland Security), but our comments are continually dismissed," Catherine Robinson, director of high-tech trade policy for the National Association of Manufacturers, told USA Today.

U.S. officials say the electronic forms allow them to run security checks more efficiently. Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa told the newspaper that by collecting the information, it can flag people or cargo that should be barred from entering the country, adding that some of the changes have been in development for more than a year.