EU Data Retention Directive Sparks Debate in Norway

The controversial EU directive 2006/24/EC that imposes companies to store data on telecommunications is currently debated in the Norwegian Parliament.

Norway is, through the EEA-agreement, obliged to adopt all legislation relating to the internal market. The directive came into force on 15th September 2007, but the Norwegian government has decided to wait, and propose implementation into national law in 2008/2009.

The directive covers data traffic for e-mail, internet-connection, SMS and various types of phone calling. The aim of the directive is to combat crime and terrorism. Data Inspectorates in several European countries have expressed their worries about this directive, as it threatens fundamental privacy rights. They claim it violates Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that every encroachment on privacy rights shall be proportional to its aims.

The Norwegian Data Inspectorate has argued strongly against the proposal, as it deprives individuals of important rights and turns «everybody into suspects». They also fear that Article 1, which limits the scope of the directive to serious crime, can be used with a great deal of discretion by the police.

Sources:

Datatilsynet (Norwegian Data Inspectorate)

EU directive 2006/24/EC

Dagens Naeringsliv