Europe can prove privacy and faster journeys belong together. 

74% of passengers would choose biometrics over passports and boarding passes if their data is secure, according to IATA. The Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition manifesto sets out how Europe's rules can protect that choice. 

We speak with one voice on responsible biometrics

We are associations representing airports and airlines, alongside technology providers.

Together, we back three principles for responsible biometrics that deliver public value: stronger identity assurance, shorter queues, and better use of the infrastructure Europe already has. We commit to open dialogue with European and national authorities, sharing technical knowledge and operational experience.

We speak with one voice on responsible biometrics
Coalition partners


Three principles that make biometrics worth trusting.

Voluntary biometrics can meet Europe's highest privacy standards. Here’s how.

The power of traveler choice

The power of traveler choice

Passengers choose biometrics and can change their minds.

Consent is explicit, informed, freely given, and reversible. Done well, it gives travelers real agency over their data and their journey.   

Privacy and security by design

 Privacy and security by design

Privacy and security are built in from day one.

Systems collect only what they need, protect it with strong encryption and access controls, and stay open to audit. Rules judge these safeguards, not the technology behind them. 

Responsible Innovation

Responsible Innovation

Testing together builds the evidence for good rules.

Pilots and regulatory sandboxes, overseen by data protection authorities, let industry, regulators, and civil society test new models and learn from real results. 

When passengers choose biometrics, everyone in the journey gains.

For passengers

For passengers

Shorter queues and fewer checks. Your data, your call. 

Passengers move through the airport without showing documents at every step. Opt in is a choice, and the non-biometric route always stays open.

 For policymakers and regulators

For policymakers and regulators

A European model the world can follow. 

A foundation for the EU Digital Identity Wallet and the Digital Travel Credential, and proof that innovation and fundamental rights can advance together. 

For airports and airlines

For airports and airlines

More passengers, same infrastructure.

Welcome rising passenger numbers with the space you already have, strengthen security, and keep European hubs competitive. 

For tech providers

For tech providers

Clear rules to build on.

Regulatory certainty and room to design privacy-preserving solutions, without being tied to one prescribed model.  

We invite European regulators to reaffirm consent as a valid legal basis, interpret GDPR consistently across Member States, keep rules technology-neutral, and create space to test new models together.      

The full manifesto sets out the evidence and the GDPR detail behind this invitation. 

Published by SITA on behalf of the Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition.