National intelligence authorities and surveillance in the EU: Fundamental rights safeguards and remedies

In April 2014, the European Parliament requested FRA to conduct research on the protection of fundamental rights in the context of large-scale surveillance. It should particularly look into the remedies available to individuals in relation to surveillance practices.

As a result FRA is currently conducting research in 2014, with the support of its FRANET network, on the safeguards of the fundamental right in the context of large-scale surveillance. This FRA project focuses on safeguarding the following two fundamental rights in the context of large-scale communication surveillance conducted by intelligence services: the respect for private and family life (e.g. privacy) and the protection of personal data (Article 7 and Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU).

The scope of the project is limited to the role played by State actors. It analyses the way national institutions that are in charge of upholding fundamental rights ensure democratic oversight over intelligence authorities and enable effective remedies against fundamental rights violations in line with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. The FRA findings will be communicated to the European Parliament by the end of 2014.

• Primary Source

EU Bookshop: Many FRA publications can also be downloaded from the EU Bookshop http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/fra-european-union-agency-for-fundamental-rights-cbYEMKABstGrkAAAEjmYYY4e5K/

ESO: Background information: US NSA: stop mass surveillance now or face consequences, MEPs say http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-us-nsa-stop-mass-surveillance-now-or-face-consequences-meps-say/

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