The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled (aff. C-548/21,) on Friday 4 October, that the fight against serious crime was not the only reason that could justify police access to data contained in a mobile phone. However, such access must be proportionate to the seriousness of the criminal offence, regulated by law and, except in duly justified emergencies, authorised in advance by a court or an independent administrative authority, say the judges.
The Court was responding to an...