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Press
Data Retention
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| Press Release - 29 November 2002 |
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| EU Member States Offer to Discuss Data Retention |
EuroISPA has cautiously welcomed the revised EU Council Presidency conclusions on data retention, which clearly take note of a number of the points consistently made by EuroISPA.
The Council of the European Union recently published an amended version of the Draft Danish Presidency Conclusions on the subject of "information technology and investigation and prosecution of organised crime". These draft Presidency conclusions have been the subject of heated debate since the initial version was published earlier this year, urging the establishment of binding rules on data retention in the EU Member States "in the very near future".
EuroISPA welcomes a number of the new additions to the text.* The document emphasizes the need for intense and immediate dialogue between all parties concerned, with the aim of finding a solution acceptable to all stakeholders. The draft conclusions continue that any measures on data retention should only be established in light of these discussions.
EuroISPA accepts the EU Member States' offer to participate in open and constructive dialogue on this most sensitive and important of matters. EuroISPA has previously stated that, "Mandatory data retention is a drastic step that should not be taken until less drastic alternatives have been tested and proven inadequate."+ We call on all parties to this imminent dialogue to consider all alternatives and ensure they are subjected to intense discussion.
Louisa Gosling, President of EuroISPA, welcomed the invitation: "The subject of data retention has major implications for society as a whole and the opportunity for EuroISPA to take part in discussions with other parties at the highest level is long overdue. EuroISPA is also delighted that other amendments to the draft Presidency text highlight the importance of data protection and privacy concerns, while there is greater explicit recognition of the seriousness of measures such as mandatory data retention. We hope this initiative will encourage a coherent approach to discussions and solutions from the Member States."
Nevertheless, EuroISPA remains very concerned that many of the EU Member States still appear to prioritise mandatory data retention regimes. EuroISPA urges that the dialogue requested by the EU Member States is initiated at the earliest opportunity and that all parties adopt the aim of reaching a solution, which is acceptable to all those concerned. EuroISPA urges that EU Member States reflect their commitment to these discussions by delaying any measures on data retention currently due to be implemented in individual Member States.
*This document is available from http://register.consilium.eu.int/pdf/en/02/st12/12721-r1en2.pdf and is dated 23 October 2002
+Conclusion 1, "EuroISPA and US ISPA Position on the Impact of Data Retention Laws on the Fight Against Cybercrime: http://www.euroispa.org/docs/020930eurousispa_dretent.pdf
Notes to Editors:
About EuroISPA:
EuroISPA is the world's largest association of Internet Service Providers. With a Secretariat in Brussels, EuroISPA is a major voice of the Internet industry on information society subjects such as cybercrime, data protection, e-commerce regulation, EU telecommunications law and safe use of the Internet. Information about the organization, including its composition, aims and position papers, is available from this website.
EuroISPA Paper on Data Retention:
EuroISPA published a paper on data retention, jointly with US ISPA, on 30 September 2002. It can be viewed here.
ends
For further comment contact:
EuroISPA
39 Rue Montoyer
B - 1000 Brussels
Tel: +32-2-5032265 Fax: +32-2-5034295
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