Lawmakers seek GAO probe of DOT passenger privacy

Two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Shontel Brown, are urging the Government Accountability Office to investigate the Department of Transportation’s handling of airline passenger privacy, arguing that DOT has not brought any enforcement action regarding privacy for more than 40 years despite widely publicized incidents. They contend DOT has abdicated its regulatory role, exposing Americans’ personal data to corporate exploitation, warrantless government surveillance, and potential foreign adversaries. The lawmakers highlight the Airline Reporting Corporation’s 722 million passenger records sold to federal agencies without warrants or court oversight, a practice that ended in 2025 as DHS seeks a replacement database. They note that a 2024 DOT review of how the top 10 airlines collect and use passenger information has not produced public findings or enforcement actions, leaving the process unclear. The letter also cites alleged use of data by federal agencies and other issues, including reports of data brokers and targeted profiling, underscoring a reactive rather than proactive DOT approach to privacy. The lawmakers call for a GAO audit of DOT’s passenger privacy practices and for the agency to publish its findings and any enforcement actions.