European parliament slams 'data fishing'

The European Parliament is attempting to thwart the UK's plans to monitor user data and emails.

MEPs decided the water wasn't yet muddy enough, and yesterday passed a resolution limiting the use of so-called 'data fishing' by law enforcement authorities.

MEPs approved a report by Marco Cappato on the draft EU Commission directive on privacy in electronic communications. The report called for data monitoring and retention to be used only in exceptional circumstances.

The report stated: "Under the European convention on Human Rights and pursuant to rulings issued by the Court of Human Rights, any form of wide-scale general or exploratory electronic surveillance is prohibited."

The ruling brings MEPs into direct conflict with ministers from the 15 member states who last month passed the draft directive on data protection and privacy in telecommunications, enabling wider powers of surveillance for law enforcers.

The argument won't end here. Both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers can now be expected to develop their positions further.

The European Parliament's decision will go on to plenary session to be ratified later this year.

For related news, see
Accused: UK behind push for new snooping rights
http://www.silicon.com/a45415
Stakes are raised in privacy row
http://www.silicon.com/a45308
Privacy scandal: Dodgy data laws on the way
http://www.silicon.com/a44456