The EU is preparing to conclude an agreement with the United States to share the biometric data of its citizens in order to maintain visa exemptions for travelers. This unprecedented initiative raises questions about privacy and liberties, at a time when Europe is seeking to assert its sovereignty more and more.
The agreement, known as “Enhanced Border Security Partnerships” (EBSP), would give the U.S. access to the biometric data of EU citizens in exchange for maintaining visa exemptions. While the EU had never before allowed a third country such extensive access to personal data under the guise of securing borders or facilitating travel, this agreement marks a new development.
The deal has sparked debates and concerns due to its implications for data privacy and individual liberties. The sharing of biometric data poses risks of diversion from their original purpose at the border for criminal investigations, surveillance, or profiling. Despite the Commission’s request for guarantees against automated processing, the text does not explicitly ban it.
Furthermore, as the EU implements its own biometric systems at borders, connecting these data to U.S. databases creates a vast network of biometric data between Europe and the U.S., with no comprehensive oversight. The agreement’s reciprocity raises concerns about privacy protection and the sensitive nature of the data involved.
Amidst legal and technical challenges, the agreement also reflects power dynamics between the EU and the U.S. Member states face a binary choice imposed by the U.S.: share biometric data or risk losing visa exemptions for their citizens. This normative imposition raises questions about the EU’s fundamental rights protection standards and potential challenges in reversing the agreement.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for processing this data raises concerns about false positives and the lack of human oversight. Given the growing tensions between Europe and the U.S., skepticism surrounding the agreement is fueled by past conflicts and current geopolitical dynamics.
Overall, while the agreement has been cautiously welcomed, tensions persist, particularly among liberal groups in the European Parliament. The administration’s appetite for data collection, both biometric and from social media, raises concerns about the future of essential liberties.
