<
p style=”text-align: justify;”>The evolving relationship between travel and data privacy is sparking significant debate among travellers and experts. A recent Spanish regulation requiring hotels and Airbnb hosts to collect personal guest data has particularly drawn criticism, with some privacy-conscious tourists likening it to invasive surveillance. This backlash highlights broader concerns about the expanding use of personal data in travel.
Privacy Concerns Across Europe
This trend is not confined to Spain. Across the European Union, regulations now mandate biometric data collection, such as fingerprints, for non-citizens entering the Schengen zone. Airports and border control points increasingly rely on these measures to streamline security and enhance surveillance. Advocates argue that such systems improve safety and efficiency, with Chris Jones of Statewatch noting their roots in international efforts to combat terrorism, driven by UN resolutions and supported by major global powers like the US, China, and Russia.
Challenges with Biometric and Algorithmic Systems
Despite their intended benefits, systems leveraging Passenger Name Record (PNR) data and biometrics often fall short of expectations. Algorithmic misidentifications can lead to unjust travel delays or outright denials. Biometric systems also face significant logistical and security challenges. While they are designed to reduce processing times at borders, system failures frequently result in delays. Additionally, storing such sensitive data introduces se
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