Parliament calls for stricter controls over surveillance tech exports

The European Parliament approved on 8 September 2015 in plenary a non-binding resolution calling for safeguards to ensure technology isn't implicated in human rights abuse, especially when it's exported outside of Europe for surveillance or censorship purposes.

The author of the related report, MEP Marietje Schaake (ALDE group), considered that the European Union should lead by example and that European technologies should not contribute to human right violations.

The vote on the report had been postponed in July at the request of Ms Schaake.

According to EurActiv, a proposal on these matters from the European Commission was expected in 2016.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: Newsroom: Press Release, 08.09.15: Marietje Schaake: EU technology should not be used to violate human rights http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20150828STO90932/

EurActiv, 22.07.16: Juncker Commission plans export controls for surveillance technology http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/news/technology-companies-face-export-hurdles-under-draft-eu-rules/

---