First meeting of the e-Forum Working Group on Privacy
This meeting will launch and define the objectives of the e-Forum Privacy Working Group. This important initiative will be based around a crucial question: are privacy rights in the EU being left behind?
The e-Forum is asking this question in the context of the Stockholm Programme, the EU's new initiative on freedom, security and justice policy. The implementation of the Stockholm Programme will include work to establish an information management strategy that integrates data protection. But will data protection concerns be fully addressed, or is there a concern that privacy rights could be left behind, as official agencies try to get the maximum benefit they can from the huge data collection capabilities offered by current technologies?
The e-Forum Privacy Working Group will examine privacy issues related to EU justice and home affairs policy, especially as it relates to applications vital to eGovernment (e.g. electronic identity, e-authentication, retention of personal data), and to exchange of data between governments.
The working group will be a neutral meeting space for interested parties from all sides - campaign groups, companies, academics and officials. A number of organisations have already backed the initiative, and further expressions of interest are welcomed.
The overall objective of the working group will be to produce a clear statement of the principles underpinning the cross-border use of personal information in connection with the EU area of freedom, security and justice. This statement will be a contribution to the Stockholm Programme, and will help to give citizens confidence that their individual rights will be respected when their data is used by public bodies.
The event is open to all and entirely free of charge. Those interested may confirm their intention to attend by sending an email to Baudoin de Sonis.Â
Event email: Baudoin de Sonis
