LYMEC condemns the lack of privacy and proportionality in PNR report

The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC)is appalled that the white paper on Passenger Name Registration (PNR) that was voted on the Civil Liberties Commitee in the European Parliament lacks any substantial protections for privacy. The goal to prevent terrorism and track suspicious subjects in their travels should be balanced with the right to privacy.

LYMEC President Vedrana Gujic states: “Collection of personal data must be necessary and commensurate but the commitee voted at the expense of civil rights. The current PNR report allows unlimited data collection of all passengers which is a violation of fundamental privacy rights and the latest ruling of the Court of Justice on the collection of personal data. This vote is a shame for a commitee that includes ‘Civil Liberties’ in their name.”

The Young Liberals now hope that the Court of Justice will once again ensure the right of privacy and calls the ALDE group to further advocate on it. Gujic says: “The ALDE Group made a profound proposal on PNR that would have offered a balance between individual rights and the importance of security but it was voted down. Still we really need the Liberals in the Parliament to uphold the flag for fundamental civil rights.”