Last update Jan. 30, 2025
How to protect myself?
To safeguard your privacy and data on Booking.com, consider the following recommendations.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your account
- Regularly review privacy settings and permissions
- Be cautious about sharing sensitive information during bookings
- Clear your browser cookies periodically for privacy
- Opt-out of personalized marketing communications if desired
How can I delete my data?
Users can delete their account or request data deletion through the privacy settings of their profile.
- Visit the privacy settings on your account
- Follow the prompts to delete your account
- Data deletion requests may take some time to process
Historical privacy concerns
Booking.com has faced criticism regarding data handling practices, especially in relation to cookies and user consent.
- Concerns raised over cookie tracking practices without adequate consent
- Critiques regarding sharing data with third parties for marketing
- Incidents of reported vulnerabilities leading to data exposure
What data are collected?
Booking.com collects various types of personal data to facilitate bookings and improve user experience.
- Name, email address, and payment information
- Travel preferences and feedback
- Device information and usage data, including cookies
How are my data used?
The data collected is used to enhance service delivery, provide personalized experiences, and for marketing purposes.
- To process bookings and manage customer accounts
- For customer support and communication
- To send promotional materials and personalized offers
What happens when I sign up?
When you sign up for Booking.com, your information is collected to facilitate bookings and account management.
- You provide personal details to create an account
- Account registration allows for easier future bookings
- Booking history may be retained to personalize your experience
How does AI personalize my experience?
AI technologies tailor your Booking.com experience based on your preferences and past interactions.
- Custom recommendations based on previous searches
- Targeted listings based on user travel history
- Personalized marketing communications based on user behavior
Is my data used to train AI models?
Booking.com utilizes aggregated, anonymized data to train its AI systems without compromising individual user privacy.
- Usage data may contribute to algorithm training
- Personalized data is protected through anonymization techniques
- Focused on improving recommendations and customer service efficiency
Does this service use AI?
Booking.com utilizes AI to improve user experience through personalized recommendations and smart search functionalities.
- AI algorithms analyze user behavior to suggest offers
- Machine learning used for dynamic pricing and availability
- Chatbots for customer service enhance response time
How does this service handle government data requests?
Booking.com may comply with lawful requests from government authorities while ensuring user privacy as much as possible.
- Limited data sharing in response to valid legal requests
- Transparency about requests received when legally permissible
- Cookies and usage data are often involved rather than personal messages
How is my data protected from breaches?
The service implements robust measures to protect user data but acknowledges that no system is entirely immune to breaches.
- Continuous monitoring for unusual activities
- User notifications in case of potential data breaches
- Adherence to industry security standards and practices
What security standards does this service use?
Booking.com employs various security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access and breaches.
- SSL encryption to secure data during transmission
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Collaboration with third-party security experts to enhance protection