The next steps in the CEN/ISSS standardisation initiative for data protection
The European Committee for Standardisation is seeking experts to put together a business plan for financing a CEN/ISSS workshop to investigate the possibilities for a wide variety of standards-related issues. CEN/ISSS (Information Society Standardisation System) is a body created by CEN to investigate what sort of standardisation system is required in Europe for data protection. On the request of the Enterprise Directorate-General, CEN/ISSS recently held a public hearing to debate the question, where the need for urgent action was underlined. CEN has now taken steps to establish an informal steering group to coordinate its ISSS activities. It includes market players from industry, consumer interests and administrations under the current working title of the European Privacy Standardization Initiative (EPSI). Nick Mansfield, chairman of the International Commerce Exchange (ICX), who chaired the public hearing, will chair the steering group. Given the urgency of the requirements, it is proposed that initial drafts of the business plan should be prepared by a small team of paid experts in the field. Experts wishing to apply for this position should consult the CEN/ISSS web site before the closing date of 26 May. Appointment will be by the steering group. For further information please contact: John Ketchell Director, CEN/ISSS - Information Society Standardization System Rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels Fax +32-2-5500966 E-mail (direct) john.ketchell@cenorm.be; E-mail (secretariat) isss@cenorm.be URL: http://www.cenorm.be/isss The agenda and presentations of the public hearing are on the web site at: URL: http://www.cenorm.be/isss/News/DPseminarpt.htm A report of the hearing will be placed there shortly.