Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the Senate would protect passengers’ privacy by prohibiting airlines from having cameras or microphones embedded in in-flight entertainment systems on aircraft.
The bill, the Passenger Privacy Protection Act of 2019, was introduced in response to reports that it is possible for airlines to use in-flight entertainment systems to spy on passengers.
The act would prohibit the installation of embedded cameras and microphones. Airlines would have two months after the enactment of the bill to remove any existing equipment.
A carrier changing to remote switches of an in-flight entertainment system would not fulfill the bill’s requirements.
“Americans have their personal space invaded enough already when they fly,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who introduced the bill, said. “The last thing passengers need to worry about is the idea that airlines or hackers may be spying on them while they eat their pretzels. It’s time to protect Americans’ privacy and get rid of hidden cameras and microphones on airplanes.”
Airport security is essential, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), who co-introduced the bill, said, but spying on private conversations takes security to absurd levels.
This week, the senators also sent a letter to 16 major international carriers requesting information on how the airlines use their entertainment systems.