Commission organises hearing on cybercrime
Members of the public will have an opportunity to put their concerns about Internet security to members of the European Commission at a public hearing in Brussels on 7 March 2001. The focus is on cybersecurity and cybercrime. Various interested parties from Internet service providers, telecommunications operators and other industrial players, law enforcement, privacy protection authorities and civil liberties organisations will issue comments on the development of EU policy in this area. 'There is scope for action both in terms of preventing criminal activity through the reinforcement of network security and, in case prevention fails, ensuring that law enforcement authorities have the appropriate means to act, while respecting the fundamental right to privacy and legitimate business interests,' says the Commission. Amongst other things the discussion will refer to Information Society Commissioner Erkki Liikanen and Justice and home affairs Commissioner António Vitorino's Communication on 'Creating a safer information society by improving the security of information infrastructures and combating computer related crime.' This communication describes a number of legislative and non-legislative initial actions. Following public consultation, the Commission will evaluate whether further measures are necessary, it says.