-Caveat Lector- http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?selected_topic=9&action=view&article_id=6226
13.05.2002 Crucial vote on data surveillance postponed Statewatch warns the EU states plan to bypass the current legislative process and introduce binding measures on the retention of data for state agencies use ahead of the adoption of the revision of the 1997 directive. (Photo: Notat) A controversial report on the retention of data and access by law enforcement agencies was removed from the European Parliament�s plenary session agenda. The Europarliamentarians were set to vote on Wednesday on the Cappato report on the revision of the 1997 EU Directive on privacy in the telecommunications sector, but the report was at the last minute removed from the agenda. The rapporteur Marco Cappato fights the approach supported by the EU member states, which privilege the retention of telecommunications traffic data and the granting of it by law enforcement agencies. Civil liberties groups believe the decision on the issue will be a defining moment for the future of democracy in Europe. Statewatch, monitoring the state and civil liberties in the European Union also warns the EU states seek to bypass the adoption of this directive to impose retention of data and access by state agencies. Parliament fights the change The 1997 Directive on privacy in the telecommunications says data can only be retained for a short period for �billing� purposes and then it must be erased. In the drive to enhance security, strengthened by the terrorist attacks of September 11, the EU states now want this data to be retained and be made available to law enforcement agencies (police, customs, immigration and internal security agencies). However, the European Parliament opposes the move to retain data and gives state agencies permanent access to it. The EP wants to maintain the current situation whereby such telecommunications traffic data can only by accessed for the purposes of national security and criminal investigations where it is authorised in a case-by-case basis by judicial authorities. The European Parliament was expected to endorse in plenary this week the report adopted by the Committee on Citizens� Rights on 18 April. Watchdogs warn against undermining freedom Civil Liberties group Statewatch warns the vote on the Cappato report will be deciding for the quality of the EU governance: �The vote in the European Parliament and the final decision on this issue will be a defining moment for the future of democracy in the EU. If all telecommunications �phone calls, e-mails, faxes and internet usage- are placed under surveillance not only will data protection be fatally undermined but so too will be the very freedoms that distinguish democracies from authoritarian regimes,� Statewatch editor Tony Bunyan said. Statewatch warns the EU states plan to bypass the current legislative process and introduce binding measures on the retention of data for state agencies use ahead of the adoption of the revision of the 1997 directive. 'Statewatch has learnt that a number of EU governments are drafting a binding framework decision to ensure that all EU member states introduce a law requiring the retention of telecommunication traffic data and the granting of access to it by law enforcement agencies,' shows a press release by Statewatch. Written by Daniela Spinant Edited by Lisbeth Kirk <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
