1. The concept of availability in the information society Peter A. Michael Data Protection Secretary Council of the European Union

2. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 The concept of availability in the information society  Information society  Availability  Consequences  Horizon or present?

3. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Information Society  A society and an economy that makes the best possible use of new information and communication technologies.  Telecommunications and internet, video surveillance, biometrics

4. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Information Society  Benefits: it helps us in all aspects of our life: at work, at home, wherever we are and whatever we do.  Consequences: - are we still free to choose? - digital footsteps everywhere

5. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Availability Any action of harmonising the processing of personal data, either by introducing obligations to retain personal data or by introducing an obligation to set up specific data files, and the introduction of an intention or obligation to make these personal data available for law enforcement authorities or for European or international institutions involved with law enforcement, should be seen as implementation of the concept of availability.

6. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Availability Examples…  Retention traffic data  PNR  Video surveillance tapes  Financial information

7. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Consequences  information on demand  function creep  isolation through risk assessment  no escape

8. Data Protection Tendencies in Information Society, Vilnius 13-14 November 2007 Horizon or present? * information + availability = control * surveillance + information + availability = total control From an Information Society to a Surveillance Society

9. Thank You!