Travel Apps Rated Among Most Privacy-Unfriendly: Experts Warn Of Risks

Travel apps, such as Airbnb, Booking, and FlightRadar24, are raising alarms among cybersecurity experts for their privacy practices. Research by NordVPN reveals that these applications are among the least privacy-conscious, often requesting excessive permissions that go beyond their core functions.

The Convenience of Travel Apps

Travel apps have revolutionized the way people explore and manage their journeys. They offer convenience for tasks such as checking in for flights, researching weather conditions, adjusting accommodation dates, or booking tours. For many travelers, these apps have become indispensable.

Privacy Risks Exposed

Despite their benefits, travel apps may pose significant privacy risks. According to NordVPN’s research, over 28 percent of the permissions requested by these apps are unrelated to their essential functions.

Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN, warns, “Travel apps are particularly aggressive in seeking access to device functions that are not necessary for their performance. The data collected through these permissions could be exploited in ways that pose serious privacy risks beyond just targeted advertising. Users should critically assess whether an app genuinely requires certain data before agreeing to permissions, regardless of the app’s reputation.”

Excessive Permissions and Privacy Concerns

On average, a travel app requests nearly 23 permissions, including access to location, photos, and videos. Notably, more than six of these permissions are deemed unnecessary for the app’s primary functions.

Travel apps notably surpass the average in requesting special, dangerous, and biometric permissions—categories that involve sensitive or critical information. These apps request an average of nine such permissions, compared to the seven average permissions requested across all app categories.

This trend highlights a growing concern about the extent of personal information that travel apps may access, underscoring the importance of vigilance in managing app permissions.