EDPS warns EU to limit US access to national biometric databases

European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Wojciech Wiewiórowski has called for strict limitations on US access to national biometric databases containing the fingerprints and facial scans of European citizens, under the Enhanced Border Security Partnerships data-sharing agreement.

Washington introduced these requirements in 2022 as a condition for maintaining visa-free travel for EU members.

Wiewiórowski cautioned that this proposal set a significant precedent by allowing large volumes of personal data to be transferred directly to foreign border authorities. He stressed that data must only be used for clearly defined purposes established in formal treaties. Highlighting risks of mission creep, he cited the recent granting of sweeping database access to the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as an example of data being used beyond its original intent. The EDPS warned that the EU must remain vigilant to ensure US agencies do not exceed the agreed scope of transatlantic arrangements, protecting the fundamental privacy rights of Europeans.

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