Transportation Department reviewing airlines’ privacy practices

The Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it will review the privacy practices of the top 10 U.S. airlines.

federal officials Said It will examine how airlines collect, handle and use passengers’ personal information. In particular, the ministry will look into whether airlines are protecting customers’ personal data and whether they are “unfairly or deceptively” monetizing it or sharing it with third parties.

“Airline passengers need to be confident that their personal information is not being inappropriately shared with third parties or mishandled by employees,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. ” he said.

“This review of airline practices is the beginning of a new effort by DOT to ensure airlines properly manage sensitive passenger data,” he added.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) warned that mishandling consumers’ personal information could be considered unfair or deceptive conduct and could subject airlines to investigation and civil penalties.

The department said it sent letters to Allegiant Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines notifying them of the review. The agency is seeking information on privacy procedures, complaints alleging the airline mishandled personal data, and information on privacy training.

“U.S. airlines take the security of their customers’ personal information very seriously,” a spokesperson for the industry group Airlines for America told The Hill, adding that airlines “take the security of their customers’ personal information very seriously.” “We have robust policies, programs and cybersecurity infrastructure in place to ensure

In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for Allegiant welcomed the Department of Transportation’s review and said the airline is “complying with applicable law and effectively protecting the personal data of our customers in our possession.” He explained that he was thinking that.

American Airlines introduced The Hill to Airlines for America.

The Hill has reached out to the airlines that received letters from the Department of Transportation for comment.