Schengen and Data Protection

• Who does the SIS data refer to?
• What type of data about a natural person can be communicated via the SIS?
• What type of information about a natural person may not be entered in the SIS?
• How can a person view the data entered about them in the SIS?
• How can personal information be processed and what rights do citizens have?

Schengen and Data Protection

The objective of the Schengen Agreement is to ensure the free movement of people within the Schengen area, in such a manner that no border checks take place on the internal borders of member states.

In order to reduce security risks which may accompany the removal of internal border control checks, an efficient control is ensured on the external borders of the Schengen area, and member states are required to use compensatory methods.

One such method is the availability and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS). The roll of the unified system used in Schengen member states is to ensure security and public order within the entire visa area by utilising information communicated via the information system.

Members of the Schengen judicial area are: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Holland (joined 19.06.1990), Italy (27.11.1990), Portugal, Spain (25.06.1992), Greece (6.11.1992), Austria (28.04.1995), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland (19.12.1996).

The first possible date for Estonia and other new member states to join the Schengen judicial area is 31 December 2007.

Who does the SIS data refer to?

What type of data about a natural person can be communicated via the SIS?

What type of information about a natural person may not be entered in the SIS?

How can a person view the data entered about them in the SIS?

How can personal information be processed and what rights do citizens have?