European Commission interoperability proposals 'confusing'

17 March 2006

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has raised concerns about interoperability of European justice and home affairs databases, and has criticised claims over the accuracy of biometrics, writes Stephen Gardner. In a statement issued on 13 March, Peter Hustinx of the EDPS said that the European Commission's technical focus on interoperability over legal or political considerations is “confusing, and only serves to avoid fundamental issues.” The main problem, said Hustinx, is that interoperable systems increase the risks for citizens because they can open the possibility of unauthorised access to data. The EDPS comments relate to a European Commission communication issued in November 2005 focusing on interconnecting three data systems currently in operation throughout the EU.  They are the Schengen Information System II, which exchanges information relating to border control; the Visa Information System; and EURODAC, a European system for exchanging identity data based on fingerprints in order to control asylum applications. The Commission says that the current systems are 'under-exploited' and could be better used for 'combating terrorism and improving internal security'. In response, the EDPS says that the accuracy of biometrics is overestimated and will facilitate unwarranted interconnection of databases.  “It is essential to examine this more carefully and not hide it as a technicality,” Hustinx said. For further information: European Data Protection Supervisor: http://www.edps.eu.int European Commission communication on improved effectiveness, enhanced interoperability and synergies among European databases in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (PDF file), click here. Technical report on 'Biometrics at the frontiers: assessing the impact on society', published by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in February 2005 (PDF file), click here.

 

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