The European Commission proposed on 4 October the adoption of a framework decision by the European Council on the protection of personal data processed in connection with police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters.
This initiative aims at reinforcing personal data protection and at a more effective information exchange between police services and the judicial authorities of the several Member States. It namely includes the principle that personal data should only be transferred to third States or international bodies that guarantee an adequate level of data protection.
The proposal now presented by the Commission and the draft Directive on the retention of communications traffic data, presented on 21 September last, reflect the Commission’s approach aimed at strengthening international co-operation to ensure the security and protection of citizens, namely in connection with the fight to organized crime and terrorism, while safeguarding fundamental freedoms, such as the right to privacy and personal data protection.
Further information:
- Commission steps up personal data safeguards ? to strengthen police and judicial co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/1220&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
- COM (2005) 475 final http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/intro/doc/com_2005_475_en.pdf
