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

Why Biometric Data Face Stricter Rules Under EU Law

Under EU GDPR rules, biometric data need stronger safeguards and a careful impact assessment.

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

Answer

Why are biometric systems treated differently under EU privacy law?

Biometric data, such as facial images used for identification, are considered especially sensitive under EU GDPR rules. Because they can identify a person uniquely, their use requires stronger safeguards and a careful impact assessment before deployment. That is why regulators pay close attention to systems like the one used at Palma airport.

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