EU panel backs controversial Europol data plan

The European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee has approved a controversial proposal to expand Europol's powers on data sharing and biometric data collection.

The measure will move to a full parliamentary vote later this month, reports The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.

The plan seeks to bolster Europol's ability to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling by broadening information exchange between national governments and the EU's law enforcement agency. However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights and privacy advocates, who warn it could pave the way for mass surveillance and erode civil liberties.

The reforms would allow Europol to process more biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, across borders.

Caterina Rodelli, EU Policy Analyst at Access Now, said the committee's decision "greenlighted the European Commission's long-term plan to turn Europe into a digital police state," urging lawmakers to reconsider the implications for data privacy and democratic oversight.

Written by

Sharon Florentine Editorial Director

Sharon Florentine is the editorial director for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands and acting editorial director for SC UK. She is responsible for setting strategy and editorial direction and developing content for news, features, analysis and other written content, moderates live webcasts, and oversees research projects. Sharon has previously held key editorial, content and leadership positions at DevOps.com, Security Boulevard, CIO.com, Ziff Davis Enterprise, and CRN, among others.