Opinion 04/2014 on surveillance of electronic communications for intelligence and national security purposes

Citation
Article 29 Data Protection Working Party, Opinion 04/2014 on surveillance of electronic communications for intelligence and national security purposes (819/14/EN WP 215) (10 Apr. 2014) (full-text).

Overview
The Working Party concluded that secret, massive and indiscriminate surveillance programs are incompatible with our fundamental laws and cannot be justified by the fight against terrorism or other important threats to national security. Restrictions to the fundamental rights of all citizens could only be accepted if the measure is strictly necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.

This is why the Working Party recommended several measures in order for the rule of law to be guaranteed and respected.