Tourists visiting Spain have been warned about new “Big Brother” style data collection tactics set to come into effect this December. 

The Spanish government is introducing strict regulations that will increase the amount of personal information collected from those staying in holiday accommodations or renting cars. 

The move has sparked backlash from the tourism industry, with critics likening the measures to the constant surveillance seen in the reality TV show Big Brother, where participants are monitored around the clock.

The new rules were initially set to begin in October but have been postponed until December 2.

They will require businesses in the tourism sector to collect an expanded list of personal data on guests. 

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For car rentals, the number of required data points will rise from 14 to 64 per booking. 

Those staying in hotels or other accommodations will have to provide 43 pieces of information, which is more than double the previous requirement. 

The Spanish government said that these measures are necessary to improve national security. 

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has defended the policy, saying: “We need to guarantee public security in the face of terrorist threats and other crimes committed by organised groups.” 

He added that the data collection would help track potential criminal activity.

However, the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (Cehat) has expressed strong opposition to the new regulations. 

Cehat, which represents over 16,000 businesses, said that the law is “incompatible with the reality of the tourism industry” and places an excessive administrative burden on businesses. 

The organisation claims that the additional data collection is not only difficult to implement but also raises concerns about data privacy and compliance with the EU data protection laws.

Industry professionals have also voiced frustration over the complexity of the new requirements. 

One hotel manager told SUR: “It is tremendously complicated to compile the 43 pieces of information for each guest.”

Car rental companies face an even more daunting task, as they must now record 64 details per customer, including information such as GPS tracking and the number of miles driven. 

Social and civil organisations have also criticised the rules, calling them a violation of tourists’ privacy rights.

Despite the backlash, the government appears committed to implementing the regulations.