p2p news / p2pnet:- Peter Hustinx, the European Union’s data protection supervisor, says EU snoop law plans for anti-terrorism investigations fail to protect civil liberties and give a free hand to national intelligence services.

The proposals, one drafted by EU governments, the other by the European Commission, “did not prove the need for EU-wide data retention rules,” the Associated Press has him saying, going on:

“For too long this subject has been discussed under circumstances which were far from adequate. Any proposal at this time should ensure respect for the European Convention on Human Rights. … If that is not the case, then it’s not just unacceptable but illegal.”

In an interview with EurActiv, and referring to the UK bombings, “This was a terrible drama, but it does not show beyond any doubt that we should hurry forward in giving away the very freedoms that were at stake,” said Hustinx.

“That would be close to making ourselves accomplices to terrorism. We should continue to think soberly about the issues at stake, that is: What is necessary? How could we provide the appropriate measure? How could we then implement the appropriate safeguards? I think there is a trap here that emotions could drive decision-making, but Parliament, Council and Commission are political professionals so I think they will recognise it. Thus we will be watching them and supporting them where we can.”

AP points out that British home secretary Charles Clarke is chairing the EU negotiations and has called for the 25 governments to, “look at curbing some civil liberties to allow for improved police investigations into suspected terror groups”.

Clarke wants a deal by the end of the year, arguing quick adoption of EU-wide rules are key to catching crime gangs and terrorists.

“Hustinx’s report which was handed to EU governments and the Commission Monday, puts more pressure on the EU to yield to civil liberties groups that have for months criticized the plans as going too far,” adds AP.

Objections have also come from European Council and Commission lawyers who say schemes to retaining telephone and Internet data are “partly illegal”.

An online petition condemning the proposal had drawn 49,655 signatures by 9:30 am Pacific today.

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See:-
Associated Press - EU data protection chief warns against anti-terrorism plans, September 26, 2005
EurActiv - EU Privacy Supervisor: After London terror, don’t give away freedoms, September 27, 2005
Objections - Europe ’snoop law’ objections, September 21, 2005

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