Passenger data needs comprehensive protection – meeting of the President of the Polish SA with PPL

Mirosław Wróblewski, President of the Personal Data Protection Office (UODO), met with Andrzej Ilków, President of Polskie Porty Lotnicze S.A. (PPL), and Monika Niewczas and Adam Sanocki, members of the company's Management Board, on Friday, 19 July 2024.

The discussions focused on the topic of security, which has a special place in the aviation industry. Information containing data is processed by many different entities, and the speed and comfort of passenger service, very often involves the collection and exchange of data. The scope of the data collected is also very wide. Therefore, it is very important to protect them comprehensively and appropriately, the interviewees stressed.

Among the topics discussed was the initiative to create an Article 40 of the GDPR compliant code of conduct for the aviation sector. Particular attention was given to the issue of airports' processing of biometric data within the meaning of Article 4(14) of the GDPR, which takes place within the framework of their activities.

"The changes that are taking place in the digital world require us to pay particular attention to topics such as the use of artificial intelligence within the operations of Polskie Porty Lotnicze S.A., in terms of personal data processing and cyber security." - emphasised PPL representatives.

"UODO keeps an eye on technological solutions used for, among other things, passenger identity verification. Ensuring an adequate level of security should at the same time harmonise with the protection of fundamental rights, including the protection of personal data and privacy." - said Mirosław Wróblewski, President of the Personal Data Protection Office.

Polskie Porty Lotnicze S.A. has also expressed its willingness to support the activities of the Personal Data Protection Office in the implementation of educational initiatives and the Your Data - Your Concern programme.