eLesson: Interoperability and fundamental rights

Interoperability in the areas of borders and security refers to the ability of specific EU information systems to be interconnected and exchange data. The systems that are part of the Interoperability framework are:

• the Entry/Exit System (EES);
• the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS);
• Eurodac (European Asylum Dactyloscopy Database);
• the European Criminal Records Information System for Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN);
• the Schengen Information System (SIS);
• the Visa Information System (VIS).

Interoperability enables these systems to interact with each other and supplement each other in a pre-defined way allowing for improved use of the information already stored in each underlying system. The data stored in one system is compared and interlinked with data of the other systems to facilitate the correct identification of persons and access to relevant information is granted in an easier and quicker way while respecting the predetermined access rights of each end-user.

However, interoperability can also lead to new risks and challenges with respect to the fundamental rights of the persons whose data is in the information systems. These rights can concern the protection of personal data, discrimination, rights of the child, applicable safeguards for identity checks by the police, and law enforcement access. The persons affected are mostly non-EU citizens.

The eLesson is aimed at officials authorised to use the interoperability between EU information systems, including police, border guards, immigration services, visa authorities, customs and judicial authorities. It aims to improve the performance of these officials while respecting fundamental rights, in line with the applicable legislation and the potential implications of interoperability.

The eLesson consists of five topic chapters and a glossary of terms and abbreviations. In addition, there is a job-aid (a downloadable PDF reference document). Users can also check their level of understanding of each topic by replying to a selection of quiz questions, and a certificate will be provided to those who respond successfully. Users can also download a badge for this eLesson.

The five topic chapters are:

Chapter 1. Interoperability between EU information systems: The EU information systems and the legal and technical frameworks that have been introduced to make these systems interoperable.

Chapter 2.  Fundamental rights safeguards in the interoperability regulations  An introduction to the general fundamental right safeguard included in the interoperability regulations.

Chapter 3. Right to privacy and protection of data: The procedures and safeguards required to ensure that the processing of data does not violate the  right to privacy and the right to the protection of personal data.

Chapter 4.  Right to remedy: On how the possibility to take legal action is incorporated in the interoperability regulations.

Chapter 5.  The right to non-discrimination: How to account for the risk for discrimination while using the interoperability features.

Upon completion of the activity, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain fundamental rights safeguards and potential implications for the use of the interoperability components.
2. Identify key fundamental rights issues that may arise in the context of accessing the EU large-scale IT systems by means of interoperability, including the protection of personal data, the prohibition of discrimination, rights of the child, applicable safeguards for identity checks by the police (Article 20, Interoperability Regulations) and law enforcement access (Article 22, Interoperability Regulations). 

Study time: 60 minutes

This activity was developed by the CEPOL Knowledge Centre on Law Enforcement Cooperation, Information Exchange and Interoperability.

Watch our short video about the eLesson:

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