Key facts
- Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Shontel Brown requested a GAO investigation into the Transportation Department's enforcement of airline passenger privacy.
- They stated the DOT has not brought any enforcement cases related to passenger data in over 40 years.
- The lawmakers cited numerous widely-publicized privacy incidents affecting millions of travelers.
- The DOT has partnered with 15 states to help enforce airline consumer-protection laws.
- This partnership allows state attorneys general to investigate complaints and refer cases to the DOT for enforcement.
Two Democratic lawmakers have requested a congressional watchdog agency to investigate the U.S. Transportation Department's alleged failure to enforce airline passenger privacy rules over the past four decades. Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Shontel Brown asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the department's record, stating that it has never brought any enforcement cases related to passenger data despite numerous widely-publicized privacy issues affecting millions of travelers.
Separately, the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, has partnered with 15 states to bolster the enforcement of consumer-protection laws for airline passengers. This initiative allows state attorney general offices to investigate complaints about airline service and refer cases to the DOT for federal enforcement if violations are found. In return, the DOT will grant these states access to its consumer-complaint database and provide training on federal consumer laws pertaining to airlines. This collaboration aims to enhance the DOT's capacity to hold airlines accountable and protect passengers, particularly in light of increased air travel and a surge in passenger complaints.