Technological progress in the last few decades have made monitoring, tracking and profiling techniques easier, cheaper and more accurate. As a result, surveillance has increased in both the public sector (for law enforcement purposes and public security for example) and in the private sector (for targeted advertising for example). These practices can profoundly affect how individuals think and act, as well as other personal rights (such as freedom of expression or association). Any form of surveillance is an intrusion on the fundamental rights to the protection of personal data and to the right to privacy. It must be provided for by law and be necessary and proportionate.
EDPS comments on DG Connect's public consultation on specific aspects of transparency, traffic management and switching in an open internet
Opinion on the Commission Recommendation on preparations for the roll-out of smart metering systems
See also the text of the Commission recommendation on preparations for the roll-out of smart metering systems
Opinion of 7 June 2012 on the notification for prior checking concerning the ‘Recording of the telephone line reserved for calls to the dispatch centre for technical services used in the European Commission buildings in Luxembourg (12 or 32220)’ (Case 2011 - 0986)
Opinion of 24 May 2012 on the notification for prior checking concerning the ‘Recording of the telephone line used for security guard service reports and calls concerning actions connected with the system for controlling access to Commission buildings (Brussels)’, European Commission (Case 2011-0987)