Maltese MEP calls on EU to guard citizen’s privacy against PRISM spying

Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola has called on the European Union to act as a guardian of citizens' right to privacy in a speech during a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg on the impact of United States' surveillance programmes.

"The right to privacy is a legitimate expectation of European citizens and this has reinforced my belief that strong data protection safeguards are essential and necessary in today's technological society. Our citizens, acting within the law, must be given iron cast assurances that their communications are not being indiscriminately intercepted and that their freedom is not being restricted without a very just cause," Metsola said.

"Any security programme must protect people and ensure their rights. What is the point otherwise? In Europe we know only too well that Orwellian tactics have never worked and will never work."

Metsola said she had always maintained that the relevant authorities must have all the tools they need to fight crime and terrorism, but she emphasised that people are legitimately anxious as to the nature and the extent of the surveillance and called for answers to be given. "This is an opportunity for the European Parliament to reaffirm its democratic credentials and reinforce its legitimacy as the voice of European citizens."