EU proposes new identity and security operations agency
Published:24-June-2009
By Kevin White
Centre of Excellence mooted for ID-based IT schemes
EU proposals could see an independent agency set up to oversee the operational management of large-scale IT systems that handle identity data used for border controls and law-enforcement agencies across the European states.
The agency could be operational come 2012, providing the proposals announced today win the nod of approval of the European Parliament.
Jacques Barrot, who heads up the Directorate of General Justice, Freedom and Security and the Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, said “The legislative proposals adopted today aim to simplify the current situation by establishing a single management structure for several large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice. The establishment of a dedicated Agency for the operational management of these systems will allow their effective and secure operation, assuring quality of service for users, continuity and uninterrupted service.”
The scheme centres on the effective management of highly sensitive and personal information that is held in electronic records and used in passports and visas.
The proposed agency would manage data for the Schengen Information System (SIS II), the Visa Information System (VIS), the Eurodac system for fingerprint data, as well as other large-scale identity systems.
The remit of the agency would extend to keeping such systems functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it would also be responsible for defining and adopting the necessary security measures, reporting and information issues.
It will ensure data security and integrity, as well as compliance with data protection rules.
As a centre of excellence, the agency would also have the potential to be entrusted with the development of new IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice such as national and international identity databases.
