European Parliament backs Europol expansion: “A dangerous step towards mass surveillance in the EU”

The European Parliament's LIBE committee has approved a new Europol Regulation, a move critics warn could lead to increased surveillance within the EU. This decision, part of the EU's Facilitators Package, has drawn criticism from civil society groups and the European Data Protection Supervisor, raising concerns about potential impacts on fundamental rights. The vote saw 59 Members of the European Parliament supporting the regulation, with 10 opposing and 4 abstaining. This expansion of Europol's powers follows warnings about the potential for mass surveillance. The new regulation’s specifics and the exact nature of the expanded powers are subject to further scrutiny. This development will likely affect all EU citizens, as Europol’s increased capabilities could lead to wider data collection and analysis. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between security measures and the protection of individual privacy rights in the digital age, a key facet of European digital policy.