Ireland launches investigation into Ryanair’s facial recognition practices

• Published On: 05 October 2024 at 19:57

Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner has launched an EU-wide investigation into Ryanair's use of facial recognition technology to verify customer identities on certain third-party websites.

The investigation follows numerous complaints from Ryanair customers throughout the European Union about the airline's additional verification measures when booking tickets through online travel agents rather than directly with Ryanair.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, expressed its support for the inquiry, stating that the verification process aims to protect customers from OTAs that may provide incorrect contact and payment information. The airline maintains that this additional level of verification is required to meet safety and security standards.

Customers can avoid facial recognition verification by arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure or by submitting a form in advance, along with a photo of their passport or national ID card—a process that Ryanair warns can take up to seven days.

Ryanair clarified that customers do not need to provide additional verification when booking directly through Ryanair's website or mobile app, or through OTAs that have commercial agreements with the airline, of which Ryanair has signed 14 since the beginning of the year.

Ryanair stated that both its biometric and non-biometric verification processes are fully compliant with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation.