08:34 AM EDT, 10/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Ryanair ( RYAOF ) statement in fourth and fifth paragraphs.)

Ryanair's ( RYAOF ) processing of personal data as part of its Customer Verification Processes for bookings made via third-party websites or online travel agents is being scrutinized by Ireland's Data Protection Commission, the DPC said Friday.

The DPC said it received complaints about Ryanair ( RYAOF ) requiring additional ID verification - including biometric data and facial recognition - from customers who book travel tickets via third-party websites, as opposed to directly on Ryanair's ( RYAOF ) website.

The regulator's investigation will assess whether these methods comply with the European Union's Global Data Protection Regulations, focusing on the legality and transparency of data processing.

Ryanair ( RYAOF ), in a response emailed to MT Newswires, said: "We welcome this DPC inquiry into our Booking Verification process, which protects customers from those few remaining non-approved OTAs [online travel agencies], who provide fake customer contact and payment details to cover up the fact that they are overcharging and scamming consumers."

The company said customers booking through "these unauthorized" online travel agencies "are required to complete a simple verification process (either biometric or a digital verification form) both of which fully comply with GDPR. This verification ensures that these passengers make the necessary security declarations and receive directly all safety and regulatory protocols required when travelling, as legally required."

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