Air passenger data plans in US-EU agreement 'unlawful': EC lawyers

European Commission lawyers stated that a joint US-European plan for all trans-Atlantic passengers to have personal data taken, including credit card details, and held for 15 years is unlawful (The Guardian, 20-Jun-2011). The lawyers claim the system is "not compatible with fundamental rights" to data protection. The opinion could be important as the agreement requires the approval of the European parliament as well as ministers. Details have emerged showing that French, Germans, Italians and Dutch members, among others, remain deeply critical of the proposed deal, with only the British, Irish, Swedish and Estonian members supporting it.