Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has launched an EU-wide investigation into Ryanair’s use of facial recognition technology. The probe aims to determine if the airline’s practices comply with the European Union’s strict privacy laws. The investigation comes after many complaints from passengers across the EU who used third-party websites or OTAs to book tickets.
Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, uses facial recognition to verify customers booking through unaffiliated OTAs. The airline defends the practice, saying the extra verification is needed for safety and security. Ryanair argues third-party sites might provide incorrect customer information. The airline assures that the process is fully compliant with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Passengers who book directly with Ryanair or through approved OTAs do not need facial recognition. To avoid the process, passengers can arrive two hours early at the airport or submit ID documents seven days before flying.
Since the start of the year, Ryanair has signed 14 agreements with OTAs ensuring direct bookings. The airline supports the inquiry and stresses that both its biometric and non-biometric methods comply with data protection laws.
The investigation will examine whether Ryanair’s facial recognition process respects EU privacy standards.