[Ecks]

European authorities are seeking new powers to allow police and intelligence agencies to directly obtain user data stored on the continent by U.S. tech companies. The move comes in the wake of an uptick in terrorist attacks, including several attacks in Britain and France, among others across the bloc. Tech companies have been asked to do more to help law enforcement, while police have long argued the process for gathering data overseas is slow and cumbersome. The bloc's justice commissioner, Vera Jourova, presented several plans to a meeting of justice ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday to speed up access for EU police forces to obtain evidence, including one proposal to allow police to obtain data "directly" from the cloud servers of U.S. tech companies in urgent cases. "Commissioner Jourova presented at the Justice Council three legislative options to improve access to e-evidence," said Christian Wiga, an EU spokesperson, in an email. "Based on the discussion between justice ministers, the Commission will now prepare a legislative proposal," he added. Discussions are thought to have included what kind of data could be made available, ranging from geolocation data to the contents of private messages. Such powers would only be used in "emergency" situations, said Jourova, adding that safeguards would require police to ensure that each request is "necessary" and "proportionate."

Read more : http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-dat...SKBN18Z0H0

[zorrophreak]

Well of course they want it. Besides issues with terror attacks, its the E.U. They're all about lack of data privacy. Poland has a better idea. Honestly, trying to quell terror attacks by catching it online is not the best solution for them. ITS TO STOP LETTING IN SO MANY REFUGEE MIGRANTS.

[mothered]

They don't have access to this already?

Discussions are thought to have included what kind of data could be made available, ranging from geolocation data

If their data gathering Is targeted at Individuals or organizations who pose a threat to society, then It's certainly a good thing. However, I have no doubt It'll extend to "anyone" In the general population.