Coalition Advocates for Responsible Biometric Travel in the EU
A new coalition, comprising ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security, and SITA, has been formed to campaign for an effective and fair EU policy regarding biometric travel. This initiative aims to safeguard passenger choice, privacy, and fundamental rights while promoting the voluntary and secure use of biometric technology in air travel.
Key Aspects of the Coalition’s Mission:
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Balanced Regulation: The coalition emphasizes the need for a regulatory framework that enhances traveler experience while ensuring robust measures for responsible biometric use.
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Digital Omnibus: They argue that the EU’s Digital Omnibus should support voluntary biometric usage without imposing unnecessary restrictions, thereby enabling passengers to enjoy the benefits of biometric technology.
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Operational Benefits: By utilizing biometric verification, travel processes can be streamlined, improving efficiency for airports and airlines while allowing easier management of passenger flows during peak times.
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Passenger Privacy: The coalition stresses the importance of strong privacy protections, asserting that sharing biometric data should always be optional and secure.
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Industry Collaboration: They call for continued dialogue between public authorities and industry players to maintain high standards of privacy and promote innovation in travel technology.
Manifesto Highlights:
The coalition has published a manifesto outlining commitments to responsible biometrics and advocating for:
- Public-private dialogue to adapt to increasing passenger volumes.
- Clarity in legal frameworks around biometric data usage.
Coalition Members:
Key representatives from each organization include:
- Olivier Jankovec (ACI EUROPE)
- Fernando Cuesta (Amadeus)
- Thomas Reynaert (IATA)
- Lisa Shoemaker (IDEMIA Public Security)
- Pedro Alves (SITA)
This coalition aims to place Europe at the forefront of biometric regulation, promoting efficiency and security in air travel while respecting passenger rights.
