Brussels, 28/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - The determination expressed by the new European Data Protection Supervisor, Giovanni Buttarelli, can be summed up by the following: continuity of content but change in methodology, with emphasis on proactive action in all areas covered within his scope. Buttarelli will also be adopting a new strategic plan in this connection, at the beginning of March.
Speaking on the occasion of International Data Protection Day on Wednesday 28 January, Buttarelli explained that they were currently moving towards an evaluation of the way in which they would be advising the European legislator. He also explained that their objective was now to firstly focus on “solutions” to the problems identified. The global challenge now consists of respecting private life in the digital era, with big data in the firing line. This means that the EDPS will play the role of “European ambassador for data protection at a global level”, added Buttarelli, who would like the EDPS to become a “centre of gravity” in this debate (see EUROPE 11226).
PNR. On the question of introducing a Community system for collecting data from airline passengers entering the EU (European PNR), Buttarelli explained that he would like lessons to be learned from the “data retention” dossier experience and make sure that decisions were not taken as emotional knee-jerk reactions following the terrorist attacks in Paris (see other article). He said that they were “neither for nor against” a PNR and that they had to prove that the measures sought were really necessary and appropriate. On the question of whether other instruments already available sufficed, why not focus on specific countries passengers are coming from as well as specific flights and specific categories of traveller?
The EDPS believes that ensuring respect for private life is not incompatible with the development of new digital commercial activities. According to Wojciech Wiewiorowski, assistant EDPS, there might even be a “competitive edge” for Europe if it showed the way in the area of data protection regulation, for which there are currently 90 different jurisdictions in the world.
The EDPS will travel to the US at the beginning of March to explain the European approach and a second mission will take place in California to meet important Silicon Valley figures who are closely following the impact of the activities stemming from the “data protection” legislative package that the EDPS is hoping to finalise this year. (MB)