Commissioner Jourová outlines the law enforcement challenges in the online world

Commissioner Jourová delivered a keynote speech at a conference organised at the University of Luxemburg on the “law enforcement challenges in the online context”. The conference focuses on the challenges for European policy-makers and law enforcement authorities face when they want to obtain digital evidence. She said: “The digital revolution presents us with many challenges in different areas of law. Not only do we have to keep our citizens safe and safeguard their rights, we also have to equip competent authorities with adequate and modern investigation tools. (…) It is crucial for authorities to have access to e-evidence to effectively conduct criminal investigations.” The Justice Council requested the Commission to provide a framework for direct cooperation with service providers, improve the functioning of mutual legal assistance and explore the use of enforcement of jurisdiction in cyberspace. Following this request, the Commission has launched a consultation of experts to explore possible solutions. The Commission will present a comprehensive assessment and a set of options to Justice ministers at the Council in June 2017. The full speech is available online.