The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has prepared a public inventory and accompanying note setting out its key issues for 2012. Given that the EDPS is one of the most influential figures in
The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has prepared a public inventory and accompanying note setting out its key issues for 2012. Given that the EDPS is one of the most influential figures in the data protection world, this is a reflection of what is likely to be hot in data protection during the next twelve months.
The four areas of strategic importance that the EDPS has identified are:
1. A completely new legal framework for data protection
Once the Commission has finalised its proposal for a new legislative framework (expected in the coming weeks), the EDPS will issue an opinion giving particular attention to: trans-border data processing activities, third-country transfers, data subjects' rights, data controllers' obligations and mechanisms with regard to cooperation and consistency. However, with a new framework likely to be several years in the making, this will no doubt still be an issue in 2013 and beyond.
2. Technological developments
As the development of new technologies continues, the EDPS has said that in 2012 it will pay particular attention to issues concerning internet monitoring and 'cloud computing' services, amongst others. With some arguing that the economic crisis will accelerate the move toward cloud services, but the current European regulatory trend being towards restricting cloud computing services geographically, this is an important issue in demand of consideration.
3. Developing freedom, security and justice
With the European Commission's agenda currently concentrating on immigration/border control and anti-terrorism/internal security, the EDPS states that in 2012 it will focus on initiatives to ensure the balance between security and privacy is maintained. The EDPS therefore seems prepared to exert its independence from the Commission and to fight the corner of the data protection principles.
4. Financial sector reform
During 2011 the EDPS was concerned about data protection issues arising from the development of financial legislation led by the Commission. In 2012 it plans to monitor developments by issuing opinions on proposals concerning the regulation and supervision of financial markets and actors.
Time will tell whether the EDPS' actions in 2012 match its forecast, or rather whether an unforeseen event or new political mood will actually determine its conduct to a greater degree.
The four areas of strategic importance that the EDPS has identified are:
1. A completely new legal framework for data protection
Once the Commission has finalised its proposal for a new legislative framework (expected in the coming weeks), the EDPS will issue an opinion giving particular attention to: trans-border data processing activities, third-country transfers, data subjects' rights, data controllers' obligations and mechanisms with regard to cooperation and consistency. However, with a new framework likely to be several years in the making, this will no doubt still be an issue in 2013 and beyond.
2. Technological developments
As the development of new technologies continues, the EDPS has said that in 2012 it will pay particular attention to issues concerning internet monitoring and 'cloud computing' services, amongst others. With some arguing that the economic crisis will accelerate the move toward cloud services, but the current European regulatory trend being towards restricting cloud computing services geographically, this is an important issue in demand of consideration.
3. Developing freedom, security and justice
With the European Commission's agenda currently concentrating on immigration/border control and anti-terrorism/internal security, the EDPS states that in 2012 it will focus on initiatives to ensure the balance between security and privacy is maintained. The EDPS therefore seems prepared to exert its independence from the Commission and to fight the corner of the data protection principles.
4. Financial sector reform
During 2011 the EDPS was concerned about data protection issues arising from the development of financial legislation led by the Commission. In 2012 it plans to monitor developments by issuing opinions on proposals concerning the regulation and supervision of financial markets and actors.
Time will tell whether the EDPS' actions in 2012 match its forecast, or rather whether an unforeseen event or new political mood will actually determine its conduct to a greater degree.