Conference Presentation Description

Almost a year ago, we were shaken by Snowden's revelations.  Since then, the press has unveiled further details of related spying programs which involve tapping into telephone conversations, tracking internet browsing, content posted in social networks, recording calls and internet traffic…

Some reactions have called for the reinforcement of the privacy and security of networks and devices.  On 15 February 2014, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she wanted to discuss about building an European communication network so that Europeans shouldn't have to send emails and other information across the Atlantic. The European Parliament resolution (the so-called Moraes Report from the name of its rapporteur), calls upon the Commission to use its existing powers under Art 13a of the Framework Directive and Art 14(3) of the ePrivacy Directive to ensure security and confidentiality of communication by adopting measures aiming at safeguarding the privacy of information in transit and when it is stored in the terminal equipment. Speaking before the LIBE Committee, Christopher Soghoian said that "the mobile telephone networks in Europe are not safe", "the security vulnerabilities in GSM mobile telephone have been known for nearly two decades".  He added that "major telephone service providers have neither been forced to improve the security of their networks nor warn their customers about the risks". In the context of strengthening security and confidentiality of communications, an important challenge is to ensure that the Internet remains unified, global and open.