The Passenger Name Record (PNR) Framework Decision

Passenger Name Record data, or PNR data, are detailed data about passengers, mostly personal and confidential, which airlines have for many years collected for their own operational and commercial purposes, but which they are now increasingly obliged to communicate to the authorities of the country of destination. The prime purpose of this is the combating of terrorism and serious organised crime.

This report from the House of Lords European Union Committee looks at the Passenger Name Record (PNR) Framework Decision. Negotiations on the draft Framework Decision are at an early stage (June 2008) but it is clear that the United Kingdom and some other states believe the draft does not go far enough. In particular, they share the view that PNR Data should be exchanged for other purposes besides terrorism and crime and that the Framework Decision should cover forms of travel other than air travel. As well as looking at the Draft Framework Decision itself, this report also considers whether the right balance can be struck between the wide collection and use of data for security purposes and the rights of the individual in protection of their private and personal data.

United Kingdom: House of Lords: 15th Report (2007-08)HL 106 http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldeucom/106/106.pdf

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