The Danish travel app Rejsekort has introduced a new location privacy setting for iPhone users following public concerns and regulatory scrutiny. The change comes over a year after initial criticism regarding the app’s continuous access to location data.
New Privacy Setting Rolled Out After Long-Awaited Update
iPhone users in Denmark using the Danish travel app Rejsekort can now restrict the app’s access to their location data. The update allows users to select the setting “Only While Using the App,” a change that addresses privacy concerns raised in 2024 when the app was initially launched. The update makes it easier for users to feel safe while using the Danish travel app.
Until now, Apple’s version of the app only gave users the option to grant constant location access, even when the app was not actively in use. This configuration led to criticism from data privacy experts and Denmark’s data protection authority, Datatilsynet. The app’s developer, Rejsekort and Rejseplan A/S, has now responded by implementing a more privacy-conscious update. The setting shows that privacy matters, and the Danish travel app will meet those expectations.
Background: Concerns About Continuous Location Tracking
Launched in early 2024, the Rejsekort app was designed to simplify public transport in Denmark by digitizing the country’s popular prepaid travel card system. However, users quickly discovered that the app required continuous access to their phone’s GPS in order to function—raising concerns about surveillance and misuse of personal data.
Though the company insisted it did not collect location data when the app wasn’t in use, the fact that access remained open led to regulatory inquiries. In response, the app’s provider said limitations in the software’s design prevented more flexible location settings. That has now changed.
Technical Adaptation Enables Greater User Control
Following pressure from users and regulators, Rejsekort and Rejseplan A/S worked with their supplier to recode the app. This new version allows iPhone users to choose exactly when the app can access location data, bringing the platform in line with Apple’s standard privacy options and Android’s long-standing location settings.
According to the company, the update became available on Thursday and was thoroughly tested by a group of 135,000 iPhone users before being released to the public. Android users, who already had the option to restrict location access, were unaffected by the change.
Functionality Remains Unchanged
Rejsekort and Rejseplan A/S emphasized that the Danish travel app continues to offer the same features as before. The change impacts only how and when user location data is accessed. The company maintains that it never processed data while the app wasn’t actively being used, but the new setting effectively eliminates any doubts—making it easier for users to feel secure while using the app.
Officials say the reason for the original design choice was the need to ensure valid ticketing—even if users accidentally closed the app during their journey. With the new setting in place, that operational goal has still been achieved without compromising on privacy.
Standard Product Design Initially Overlooked Danish Concerns
The original version of the Rejsekort app was based on a template used in other European countries. Developers did not initially foresee that the Danish public or regulatory bodies would react strongly to always-on location permissions. This assumption proved incorrect, highlighting different expectations around data privacy in Denmark.
As of now, the company has not disclosed how much the reprogramming cost, nor whether additional updates are planned. However, the revision marks a shift toward greater user autonomy in how travel data is handled.
Why It Matters
Location data is often seen as one of the most sensitive areas of digital privacy, especially when tied to public infrastructure like transportation. With more people relying on mobile tools for commuting, ensuring that users have control over how and when their data is accessed is becoming increasingly important.
The case also reflects a broader trend: companies in Denmark and across the EU are being held to higher standards regarding data transparency. Regulatory frameworks like the EU’s GDPR call for clear user consent mechanisms, and Rejsekort’s adjustment aligns with that regulatory momentum.
Looking Forward
The updated Danish travel app marks an important step toward building greater trust between Danish commuters and digital service providers. With over 135,000 users already testing the new setting, the move signals responsiveness to public feedback that could set a precedent for other national mobility platforms. As digital travel passes become more common across Europe, Denmark’s approach may encourage parallel changes in other systems.
