EU Commission Considers Broader Digital Surveillance Measures
The EU Commission is considering expanded digital surveillance according to a report by t-online. The draft, containing 42 recommendations, requires backdoors in encrypted apps and standardization of smart device data access. Critics warn of unprecedented privacy invasion.
The EU Commission is reportedly considering expanded surveillance on its citizens, according to German news outlet t-online.
Based on a 28-page confidential draft drawn up by experts, the recommendations include 42 potential surveillance measures that would require developers to create 'backdoors' in encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for law enforcement use.
The proposals also target the Internet of Things, calling for standardization of home devices such as Google Home, Alexa, and smart refrigerators to allow data access by authorities.
Additionally, the draft suggests a data retention regulation, mandating providers store user traffic data accessible to law enforcement.
Previously, Germany's Federal Administrative Court had banned indiscriminate data retention as a violation of EU law.
These surveillance expansions are justified to ensure effective prosecution of crimes and terrorism but have faced criticism from digital privacy advocates as a leap towards a monitored society.