EPIC files amicus brief challenging Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy sale of employee data to Google

What happened

EPIC and Professor Seema Patel submitted an amicus brief in a bankruptcy case to contest Spirit Airlines' proposed $10 million sale of employee data to Google for AI training. The brief argues the sale lacks adequate privacy protections for employee data and could incentivize over‑collection. The Association of Flight Attendants‑CWA has also objected to the sale.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is filed. The case is still open; the outcome may change what it means.
• The filing highlights privacy risks of selling employee data for AI training, urging stronger safeguards in bankruptcy asset sales.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
2. Revisit retention schedules and data minimisation for the data involved.
3. Inventory AI or automated decision systems in scope and their assessments.