EU data czar seeks global voice amidst tension with US

The new European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), Giovanni Butarelli, said on 28 January 2015 he expected the European Union to seek a leading position in shaping a global standard for data protection and privacy based on the rights of the individual.

Such statements were seen by EurActiv as the direction he intended to take his office. Mr Butarelli also wished for his role to become advisory as well as supervisory.

The debate on data protection has been one of the most active within the EU. The EU has been discussing its Data Protection Regulation (DPR) which would be the basic rule for protection of personal data. Moreover, and following the increase of terrorist activity in Europe, some have strongly defended the creation of a single, shared data base of personal information on air passengers arriving in, or leaving, the EU. Data protection has also been one of the most debated items within the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the US and the EU.

ESO: Background information: Lawyers shortlisted for EU data chief post - Italian-Polish partnership to safeguard personal data in EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/lawyers-shortlisted-for-eu-data-chief-post-italian-polish-partnership-to-safeguard-personal-data-in-eu/

ESO: Background information: Vice-President Ansip and Commissioner Jourová: Concluding the EU Data Protection Reform is essential for the Digital Single Market http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-vice-president-ansip-and-commissioner-jourova-concluding-the-eu-data-protection-reform-is-essential-for-the-digital-single-market/

EDPS: Press Release EDPS/2015/01, 28.01.15: The EU as a beacon of respect for data protection and privacy https://secure.edps.europa.eu/EDPSWEB/webdav/site/mySite/shared/Documents/EDPS/PressNews/Press/2015/EDPS-2015-01-DPD_EN.pdf

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