Italy’s privacy watchdog has temporarily suspended the use of facial recognition technology at Milan’s Linate airport, pending the conclusion of a long-running data protection investigation. Globally, facial recognition screenings at airports have raised concerns about the potential misuse of passenger data.
The privacy watchdog, known as Garante, justified the suspension by stating that there were insufficient safeguards at Linate to prevent the use of facial recognition on passengers who had not opted in. The decision, which was dated September 11, was made public on Wednesday.
The Airport Operator’s Response
On its website, the Milan airports operator SEA promotes its “Faceboarding” technology as being “safe, simple and fast,” claiming it allows passengers to pass through security checkpoints without having to show their passports or identity cards.
In response to Garante’s action, SEA said on Wednesday that it is in compliance with current regulations and is collaborating with the watchdog to clarify all aspects of its data processing. The company expressed hope that it could resume the optional facial recognition service as soon as possible, noting that it is only available to adult passengers who request it and that it enhances airport security while speeding up procedures.
