Delhi HC PIL: Alleged Misuse of Customer Data by MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, SkyScanner

A petition lodged in the Delhi High Court has brought attention to concerns regarding the possible misuse of customer data by MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and SkyScanner. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is urging the central government to prevent travel companies from disclosing customers’ personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, Aadhar numbers, passports, and more.

The PIL filed by lawyer and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay pointed out that the personal data collected during ticket booking is confidential, and the government should ensure that the travel companies do not share it. The petition also alleged that Make My Trip, Goibibo and Skyscanner have Chinese investors.

In the plea, Upadhyay expressed worry about the potential misuse of citizens’ data, especially Aadhar and passport details.

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Legal Basis and Demands for Data Protection and Privacy Safeguards

The petitioner cited Section 3 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), which applies to the processing of digital data both within and outside India if the goods and services are offered to data principals within Indian territory. Hence, the central government must seek clarification from travel companies, especially those overseas about the measures for data protection, the plea stated.

Udadhyay also underlined that the central government must seek a notice from the travel companies, especially foreign companies, to keep the customers’ data confidential in compliance with the DPDP Act 2023.

The petitioner referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd) case, emphasizing the importance of government-issued identity cards and the necessity for stringent regulations by the government to safeguard citizens’ right to privacy as enshrined in Article 21.

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