What is the Schengen Information System
There has been an increased interest in the Schengen Information System (SIS) recently. The tragic events in Germany has highlighted the need for sharing information across borders. Initiatives such as ETIAS and ESTA aim to improve national security. So what is the Schengen Information System?
This massive database was set up in 1995 when the EU abolished internal border controls. . It has contributed to maintaining internal security and fighting cross border crime on the external Schengen borders. Recent proposals aim to make it even more effective and efficient.
What does SIS contain?
The system contains information on individuals who don’t have permission to enter or stay in the Schengen area. It includes those who are wanted for criminal activities. It also contains information on missing persons, children at risk, and other vulnerable individuals.
It’s not just people. It holds details of objects, for example, vehicles, firearms, boats and identification documents. These may have been lost or stolen, or used to carry out a crime. Instructions detailing what action the border security should do are also included.
Who has access to SIS?
It is important that a database which contains sensitive personal information is secure. Authorities may only access the data relevant to carry out their jobs. These users include border control officials, the police, customs and excise, and the judiciary.
Europol and Eurojust have limited access but recent proposals will give them more rights. The Security Union is including more agencies. For instance, the new European Border and Coast Guard Agency, plane and boat registration bodies, and ETIAS.
How does SIS protect the information?
It is important that a database which contains personal information is secure. Recent technological advances have ensured that some of the data are sophisticated and sensitive. It isn’t just photographs and fingerprints. Recent proposals mean that they will add palm prints and DNA profiles.
The new Data Protection Regulation will improve system security and maintenance. It introduces safeguards ensuring that data collection, processing, and access is limited to what is necessary. Member States are liable for penalties if breaches cause damage to a person. For instance, inaccurate data or unlawful storage of data.
Future improvements
Apart from the new personal information content, and increased data protection, the security union has proposed other operational and technical improvements. They want to improve information sharing and cooperation between Member States.
Terrorism prevention is a priority so they will introduce new ‘inquiry check’. Better protection of children with a high risk of abduction will be achieved through preventive alerts. Counterfeiting alerts will be issued on a wider range of stolen or falsified goods.
Has the system produced results?
At the end of 2013, there were just over 50 million alerts in the system. By November 2016, that number had grown to nearly 70 million. Competent authorities accessed the SIS 2.9 billion times in 2015, a billion times more than in 2014.
In reality this means that over 25,000 people were arrested. Around 72,000 serious criminals and security threats were located. And over 97,000 cases concerning stolen vehicles, misuse of documents, stolen firearms, and other lost or stolen property were solved.
The changes are expected to come into force 2021.