Passdaten

Passdaten is a German term referring to the personal data contained in a passport or other travel document, and, in modern documents, the data stored on the document’s embedded chip. In a conventional passport, Passdaten include surname, given names, date of birth, nationality, sex, place of birth, passport number, issuing authority, and the dates of issue and expiry. In an electronic passport (e-passport), Passdaten also encompass biometric data stored on the chip, typically a digital photograph and, in many jurisdictions, additional fingerprints or iris data, alongside the same machine-readable data found in the document’s text.

Uses and access: Passdaten are used to verify identity at border control, during visa processing, airline check-in, and other security- and travel-related procedures. They may be accessed by border authorities, airlines, and other authorized entities, and may be shared with international security networks under applicable laws and agreements.

Legal framework and privacy: The processing of Passdaten is subject to data-protection rules, such as the European Union’s GDPR, and national implementations. International standards for e-passports are established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Doc 9303, which defines data formats and biometric requirements. Data minimization, purpose limitation, retention rules, and subject rights apply in many jurisdictions; travelers generally have rights to correction and to be informed about data processing.

Security and risks: Security measures include encryption of data on e-passport chips, secure reader authentication, and strict access controls. Risks include data breaches and identity theft if Passdaten are accessed without authorization. Ongoing efforts focus on improving privacy, safeguards on surveillance, and limiting cross-border data sharing to legitimate security needs.