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AENA under criticism: €10 million fine for facial recognition at Palma airport – a reality check

Why AENA Was Fined Over Facial Recognition at Palma Airport

Spain’s data authority fined AENA over biometric checks at Palma airport and ordered a temporary stop to data processing.

Published: April 22, 2026
AENA under criticism: €10 million fine for facial recognition at Palma airport – a reality check

Answer

Why was AENA fined for facial recognition at Palma airport?

Spain’s data protection authority fined AENA because the biometric system at Palma airport was used without a valid Data Protection Impact Assessment. Biometric data are treated as highly sensitive under EU privacy rules, so the legal requirements are strict. The authority also ordered a temporary halt to the processing of biometric data.

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