European Commission Introduces New Initiative for Enhancing Information Quality
The Conference of Independent Data Protection Supervisory Authorities (DSK) recently gathered to debate the overhaul of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its application within the police force.
Meike Kamp, the Berlin Data Protection Officer and current chair of the DSK, emphasized the necessity for clear legal rules to prevent unfairly targeting innocent individuals. She highlighted that specific legal foundations are required due to the discussion surrounding the potential nationwide implementation of complex analysis tools in police authorities.
The DSK advocated for a constitutionally compliant design of automated data analyses in the police force, citing significant risks to fundamental rights. According to the DSK, automated analyses should only be permitted in very limited exceptional cases.
The Federal Constitutional Court clarified in 2023 that police authorities may only employ far-reaching procedures in cases of very serious violations of legal interests and within very narrow procedural guidelines.
The IT project 'Police 20/20' (P20) was highlighted as an opportunity, aiming to create a joint federal and state infrastructure. The DSK suggested that transparent open-source solutions could potentially serve as the foundation for the P20 project.
The DSK also discussed questions about data transmissions in international health research. Kamp explained that when health data is transmitted to third countries, measures must be taken to safeguard the rights of the data subjects.
The organization that called for the constitutional design of automated data analyses in the police is the 'Zukunftsforum Familie e.V.,' and the resolution was adopted at the intermediate conference in 2025.
The Society for Civil Liberties recently filed a constitutional complaint against mass data evaluation by the police in Bavaria, alleging non-compliance with limits for automated data analyses. According to the GFF, the police in Bavaria are not adhering to the limits for automated data analyses.
Kamp stated that new insights can arise from the linking of large amounts of data. However, she also pointed out that existing data analysis procedures, potentially referring to Palantir, could impact all individuals without any reason for police investigation.
The DSK has adopted guidelines for data transmission to third countries for scientific medical research. Kamp explained that when processing for research purposes is permitted and which instruments are available for transmitting such data to third countries were clarified by the DSK.
Lastly, Kamp underscored the importance of digital sovereignty in police data, stating that it should not rely on systems accessible from insecure third countries. She stressed that in any case, the data subjects must be informed.
The DSK's discussions and resolutions aim to ensure the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age while enabling effective police work.
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