Popular online travel platforms collect extensive user data, says PCPD

The privacy watchdog revealed that all ten popular online travel platforms they reviewed track users' activities and location data, thus advising individuals to disclose only the essential personal information necessary for their transactions.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) reviewed the users' personal data collection practices of ten platforms --including Agoda, EGL Tours, Expedia, Goldjoy Holidays, Miramar Travel, Sunflower Travel, Travel Expert, Trip.com, Wing On Travel, and WWPKG.

A report released on Monday by PCPD revealed that all platforms gather users' location data, browsing histories, and actively monitor their activities on the sites.

Only seven of them disclosed data retention policies, while Expedia ranked highest in the readability of its privacy policy.

Meanwhile, PCPD said all platforms obtained users' consent for direct marketing, and Sunflower Travel only provides an option for bundled consent.

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling expressed satisfaction with some of the platforms' efforts to improve the provision of privacy protection information and the user interface design of their platform during the review. 

She recommended the platforms collect only the necessary personal data and avoid setting defaults to "agreed" or using bundled consent for direct marketing.

Additionally, the watchdog urged the public to verify the authenticity of websites and social media pages before purchasing travel products online, as well as provide the minimum amount of personal data to reduce the risk of data leakage.