Check-in via WhatsApp or Personal Smartphone? Beware: It’s Illegal and Puts Data and Reputation at Risk

07/04/2025
Blog
2 mins read

In today’s hospitality world, convenience is everything. But when it comes to check-in and document management, seemingly “practical” methods such as receiving ID images via WhatsApp, email, or the manager’s personal phone are illegal, non-GDPR compliant, and put both guests and hospitality providers at serious risk.

What the Law Says
Recent official communications, such as that from the Italian Ministry of the Interior (November 2024), have clarified that:

  • Sending images of ID documents via WhatsApp or unsecured apps is a violation of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Article 109 of the TULPS (Italian Public Security Law).
  • Managers who collect sensitive data on personal devices risk administrative and criminal penalties, and may even lose their operating license.

This is not an isolated issue. Across Europe, from Spain (where the AEPD fined Airbnb) to Germany (where the Data Protection Authority banned even WhatsApp contact syncing without consent), privacy protection during guest check-in has become a top priority.

PassportScan Cloud: The Legal, Secure, and Efficient Answer
In this context, PassportScan Cloud stands out as the cutting-edge solution for GDPR-compliant digital check-in across Italy and Europe.

What does PassportScan Cloud offer?

  • GDPR Compliance : Every document is acquired, encrypted, and stored in full accordance with European data protection regulations.
  • No Use of Personal Devices: Everything happens on a dedicated platform, accessible via tablet or self-check-in kiosk ensuring zero risk for both guests and staff.
  • Fast, Error-Free Check-In: Automatic document scanning, data extraction, and direct submission to the national police portal or required systems.
  • Valid Across Europe: Designed to comply with legal requirements in every country, from Italy to France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and beyond.
  • Protection for All: Guests are safeguarded, managers stay compliant, and the property enhances its professional standards.

Because This Isn’t Just a Technical Matter

Today, hospitality is no longer measured only by kindness or room quality, but also by the digital safety we offer our clients. Using unauthorized tools to collect sensitive data is not just careless it’s a serious violation, with legal and reputational consequences.

The Future of Check-In Is Here: Legal, Digital, and Worry-Free

Whether you’re a hotel manager, a B&B operator, or a guest who values your rights, choosing a certified platform like PassportScan Cloud means taking a real step forward toward secure, seamless, and modern hospitality.

📌 Go digital, but do it right.
📌 Simplify, but protect.
📌 Welcome guests but stay within the law.

Passportscan