Is Flight Tracking Legal? Privacy Explained

In most countries, receiving and displaying ADS-B signals is legal, because aircraft broadcast them openly and without encryption. Rules on publishing and on privacy differ by country, so check local law.

Why it is generally allowed

ADS-B is designed to be received by anyone. It is a safety system, and the information is broadcast in the clear. Airliners’ positions and flight numbers are public.

What is private

Passenger names, tickets and contact details are not part of ADS-B. A tracker shows an aircraft’s position, not who is on board. This site’s flight links show only public aircraft data.

Limits and sensitive flights

Some aircraft are hidden on request (see why some aircraft are hidden). Using tracking data to harass someone or interfere with a flight is illegal in most places.

For receiver owners

Check your local radio and telecommunications rules before running a receiver. Receiving 1090 MHz is allowed in many countries but not all, and laws can require a licence in some.

Our approach

We use public ADS-B data and do not identify passengers. See our privacy policy and methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.