How can we strike the right balance between the performance of passenger counting systems and the data protection requirements set out by the GDPR? This question reflects a significant challenge for many industry players. At Acorel, we believe that a passenger counting system can only be effective if it also protects individuals’ privacy. Our solutions are built to count without identifying, to analyse without tracking, and to optimise without ever compromising user trust.
Passenger counting systems: a smart asset for space and flow management
Passenger and people counting systems bring tremendous benefits. They allow transport operators to adjust services based on real-time occupancy, help airports streamline cleaning operations, and enable buildings to control lighting and HVAC systems efficiently. Public and commercial areas or smart buildings can also improve visitor experience through better crowd flow management.
Powered by advanced technologies such as 3D stereoscopic sensors and computer vision, our passenger counting systems deliver accurate, real-time data without collecting any personal or visual information. The outputs are completely anonymous and immediately usable for analysis and decision-making.
Indeed, in a tightly regulated environment, their use must fully comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
GDPR and people counting technology
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective since May 2018, governs the use of personal data within the EU. Any system that processes data potentially identifying a person like images, silhouettes, or behaviour must comply with this regulation.
GDPR principles applied to passenger counting systems:
- Data minimisation: Our systems count passengers without capturing unnecessary or identifiable data.
- Anonymisation or pseudonymisation: We eliminate identification risks by masking or transforming data at the source
- User transparency: We clearly inform users about what data is collected, why, and how long it is kept.
- Security by design: Our solutions are built with embedded safeguards to prevent data breaches and misuse.
- User rights: Passengers can easily request access to, correction of, or deletion of their data in full compliance with GDPR.
Key references:
CNIL (French data protection authority, offering practical guidance and compliance tools.)
European data protection board (EDPB) (Independent body ensuring consistent application of the GDPR throughout the European Economic Area (EEA).)
Designing GDPR-compliant and privacy-focused counting systems
Data protection is not a barrier to performance it’s a cornerstone of trust. At Acorel, our technologies combine accuracy with privacy, enabling passenger counting systems that meet today’s regulatory and operational needs.
✔ Anonymous Data from the Start
Our sensors do not produce exploitable images or video. All processing is done locally, with no biometric or visual data storage. Only the number of individuals is recorded no personal data is ever captured.
✔ No Video Footage
Our counting systems are not surveillance tools. They measure, not monitor. This ensures high performance while fully preserving individual privacy.
✔ Secured Infrastructure
Data flows through secure networks to our platform, where it is encrypted, stored on protected servers, and accessible only to authorised personnel. This is a core principle of all Acorel data protection and passenger counting systems.
Naturally, these principles only have real value when they are effectively implemented. This is precisely the approach taken by Acorel, which embeds these requirements at the core of its technological solutions.
Real-life applications: GDPR-compliant counting in action
Urban mobility : real-time insight, seamless journeys
In trains, trams, and metros, our overhead sensors deliver live occupancy data to optimise service frequency and vehicle deployment. Passengers benefit from smoother travel, while operators stay GDPR-compliant with anonymous, non-intrusive monitoring.
Airports : faster check-ins, smarter operations
From check-in counters to boarding gates, Acorel’s counters help manage foot traffic, reduce wait times, and remain fully GDPR-compliant.
Smart buildings : greener spaces, zero intrusion
Our counting systems seamlessly integrate with building automation to adjust lighting, heating, and ventilation based on real-time occupancy. The result? Energy efficiency that respects privacy no cameras, no tracking, just smarter environments.
At a glance: the key benefits of our passenger counting solutions
- Fully anonymous data: passenger counts are performed without collecting any personal or identifying information.
- GDPR-compliant by design: every feature is developed to meet GDPR standards from the ground up.
- No video or image storage: our systems never record or store footage only anonymous counting data is processed.
- Transparent and trustworthy: we prioritise clear communication and ethical design to earn and maintain user confidence.
- High accuracy in real-life conditions: our technology is tested and optimised to perform reliably in dynamic transport environments.
Installed overhead, our sensors respect privacy while delivering reliable insights into people’s flows.
Deploying a data protection and passenger counting system in a public space, airport, or transport network? Let’s talk.
Reach out to our team for a personalised consultation and discover how our solutions fit your operational and regulatory needs.
Toward responsible and sustainable passenger counting
Transparency and the respect of fundamental rights are no longer optional, they’re essential for public acceptance and long-term adoption of new technologies. As passenger counting systems become more central in smart cities and connected infrastructures, ensuring GDPR compliance is a vital differentiator.
Acorel’s GDPR-compliant systems aren’t just a technical choice, they’re a strategic one. Ready to modernize your operations while putting privacy first? Let’s start the conversation.
Our goal: to help you understand, anticipate, and manage occupancy trends and people flows with confidence and compliance.
Read more:
IoT solutions for smart buildings: enabling a smarter future
Urban mobilities: real time flow analysis with machine learning technologies