EU data-sharing needs robust data protection - Ludford

8.13.45am GMT Fri 8th Jun 2007

The European Parliament has voted a report calling for much tougher rules on protection of personal data accessed by police and exchanged across borders than those being discussed by EU governments - who in any case can't even agree on those weaker safeguards.

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, commented:

"While the German Presidency's attempts to revive this long-awaited vital law are welcome, the fact is that their efforts so far are fruitless. EU ministers find it easier to agree on security measures than on the accompanying protections for individual rights."

"We need strong action to address the increasing threats to privacy from EU and transatlantic initiatives, especially the creation of new databases and the grant of access to police and intelligence agencies. If not, there will sooner or later be a public backlash against snooping and surveillance."

Note to Editors:

The European Parliament's report demands removal of loopholes in the ministers' version which if not remedied will even lower the current level of data protection. In particular MEPs demand that the new law should extend to data processing at national level as well as cross-border sharing; that the provisions governing the transfer of data to third countries should be toughened up; that the principle of 'purpose limitation' should be respected so that data shared for one inquiry cannot be misused for another reason; and that the remit of data protection authorities (such as the UK's Information Commissioner) should be extended to cover security data.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council on 12-13 June is expected to adopt some conclusions and commit to reaching a political agreement on the proposal by the end of 2007.