Plan To Keep Passenger Names On EU Flights …
- February 7th, 2011
- Posted by EUEditor
People flying into and out of Europe will have their names entered in a database, as a check against crime and terrorism, under a proposed new law – an extension of the practice already followed by Australia, Canada and the United states.
Cecilia Malmström, the European Home Affairs Commissioner, announced (2.2.11) that a Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive would oblige airlines to provide European Union member states with data on passengers– though also guaranteeing a high level of protection of privacy and personal information.
“This proposal is an important part of EU security policy; common EU rules are necessary to fight serious crime such as drugs smuggling and people trafficking, as well as terrorism, and to ensure that passengers’ privacy is respected and their rights fully protected in all member statesâ€, she said.
“The proposal requires Member States to anonymise all PNR data that is collected.
“In this proposal, the Commission lays down common rules for EU Member States to set up national PNR systems.â€
The Commissioner said the experience of the three countries already using the PNR system confirmed that it was necessary for public protection.
Reference
EU, “ EU proposal for passenger data to fight serious crime and terrorismâ€, EU Delegation to Australia, 4.2.11. http://www.delaus.ec.europa.eu/, (5.2.11).