Ryanair, BA and facial recognition

A storm in a teacup seems to be erupting over newspaper reports that Ryanair is violating customer privacy practices by using facial recognition. British Airways is also bringing in new rules for ID on domestic routes.

Digital rights group European Centre for Digital Rights (NOYB) has a complaint against the Irish airline, alleging that it violates customers’ data protection rights by using facial recognition to verify their identity when booking through online travel agents.

Ryanair, as a matter of policy, has always suggested that customers book direct with the airline saying that third party booking agents are questionable.  

A quick look at the Ryanair website does not ask for any form of facial recognition if actually checking in, expensively, at the airport.  Only a valid passport or National Identity Card is required, but the airline stresses that the simple internet application is the practical way of processing this travel necessity, although it can be difficult for business travellers who use travel management companies (TMCs) for their booking arrangements.

NOYB, led by Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems, filed the complaint with Spain’s data protection agency on behalf of a customer who booked a Ryanair flight through a Spanish-based online travel agency eDreams ODIGEO.

From 1 September adults over 16 require some form of facial recognition on BA domestic and common travel area flights.  The requirement is very simple and includes a passport, driver's licence (even if provisional), or entry permit.  It could affect travellers who never go abroad and do not drive.  The identification will be made presumably at the gate.

www.ba.com/en-gb/information/passports-visas-and-api

https://help.ryanair.com/hc/bg/sections/12489286139281-Online-Verification

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