Pune Airport Launches DigiYatra, But Privacy Concerns Emerge

Report by The Newsage Pune.

DigiYatra set up at the new terminal of Pune International Airport

Pune International Airport has rolled out the DigiYatra system at its new terminal, allowing passengers to check in and board flights using facial recognition. While the system aims to improve efficiency, concerns over data privacy and surveillance risks are growing.

DigiYatra eliminates the need for physical boarding passes by linking passengers’ faces to their travel details. Pune Airport has set up 15 e-gates for seamless verification. However, privacy experts warn that biometric data collection could lead to misuse, unauthorized tracking, or potential data leaks.

Pune International Airport has recently launched the DigiYatra system at its new terminal wherein, the convenience of getting through security without verifying their physical boarding passes is granted to passengers. Even though this method is comparatively easier and quicker, it has raised concerns over private data of users. Potential abuse is anticipated, yet the government begs to differ.

The government claims that DigiYatra operates on a decentralized system, ensuring data is not stored centrally. Yet, critics argue that India lacks strong regulations governing biometric usage. Unlike countries with strict data protection laws, India’s legal framework remains vague, leaving room for potential abuse.

While DigiYatra promises a hassle-free airport experience, passengers remain unaware of the long-term risks. As more airports adopt the system, experts call for greater transparency and stricter data protection measures to balance convenience with privacy.