U.S. and Belgium to share biometric data

Published 27 September 2011

Under a recently signed agreement, the United States and Belgium will begin sharing biometric data in an effort to combat international crime

 

Under a recently signed agreement, the United States and Belgium will begin sharingbiometric data in an effort to combat international crime.

With the agreement on Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) the two countries will exchange critical information like criminal records and fingerprints on suspected criminals or terrorists. The program is designed to bolster law enforcement capabilities while also protecting privacy.

PCSC requires that law enforcement agencies implement measures to protect the privacy of citizens in both countries including several provisions on the handling, sharing, and retention of relevant data. 

So far the United States has signed nineteen similar agreements with other countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Estonia, Greece, and South Korea.

These agreements are aimed at preventing individuals who commit serious crimes in one country from escaping to another and continuing to commit illegal acts there.