Personal data collected by ETIAS
ETIAS is a short-term travel authorization system in Europe. Australian travelers who decide to travel to Europe for a variety of reasons will be required to fill in the application with personal information such as:
- Full name
- Place and date of birth
- Nationality
- Sex
- Residential address
- Email Address
- Passport information
- Also essential details about past convictions, travel history in Europe or conflict zones, etc.
This information will influence European tourism policy and enhance border security.
Why does ETIAS require personal information?
Today, citizens of many countries travel to Europe without a visa, using only a passport. The European visa waiver will allow Europe to identify possible risks before tourists leave.
How does ETIAS protect personal data?
EU-LISA is the agency that manages the large ETIAS IT system. This system is responsible for the secure processing of data. EU-LISA is responsible for most systems that verify ETIAS traveler data, including EURODAC, SIS, and Visa Information System (VIS). Personal information collection has one reason- only to improve citizens’ security and not violate their fundamental rights.
The ETIAS Central Office and EU-LISA are responsible for European law’s secure processing of personal data.
ETIAS Regulation deals with data security:
- Physical protection of data;
- Ensure only authorized persons have access to all items
- Use encryption to prevent unauthorized reading, copying, modification, or deletion of personal details;
- Determine what data was processed, when and for what purpose;
- Encrypting data and restricting access to certain authorities helps prevent the misuse of personal information;
In case of violation of ETIAS data protection rules
Article 63 of the Regulation deals with the responsibility of the data controller or processor. It states that anyone who suffers from illegal data processing will be entitled to compensation. The directly responsible body will issue it.
How ETIAS will share data with third countries and other organizations
Interpol plays a crucial role in screening travelers to the Schengen area. Data transfer to Interpol is necessary to protect the public. Personal information stored at the ETIAS headquarters will be made available to Interpol and the International Criminal Police Organization.
Only authorized persons can access ETIAS.
Law enforcement will be able to decrypt ETIAS data. EU-LISA will keep records of the personnel who carried out the operation enter the data into the system to prevent personal information from being illegally accessed.
How long will ETIAS store personal data?
Personal data will be in ETIAS databases within five years of receiving or refusing a visa. Information will remain available for three years after the expiration of the authorization. The system then deletes the data automatically.
Data protection is one of Europe’s top priorities. Europe’s Privacy and Security Act requires organizations to adhere to high standards of confidentiality. The GDPR develops the ETIAS system. Since ETIAS will process the personal data of third-country nationals, it is subject to this regulation. Visa waiver programs are subject to GDRP worldwide. Violating the GDPR is costly for the company. When European data protection laws are violated, the fine depends on factors such as:
- Number of victims;
- Was it intentional;
- Past Violations;
- The maximum fine is € 20 million (or more than this, 4% of the annual turnover of the last financial year);
This hefty fine shows how serious Europe is about data protection. It sets high standards for the organization and all other data processing and controllers.