Efforts to set common European Union rules on data collection by telecommunications companies and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) are intensifying, reigniting debate about civil liberties and causing some industry and political officials to question how such moves would aid efforts to fight terrorism.
According to one member of the European Parliament, efforts to set common surveillance rules are wasted.
Italian MEP Marco Capato is criticizing national governments from the 15 EU member states for pursuing the ability to do blanket surveillance of all EU citizens" e-mail and phone calls, not only because such methods would erode civil liberties, but also because such moves do not help counter terrorism.
Improving intelligence rather than gathering greater amounts of data on people is more important in the fight against terrorism, Capato said.