Some Issues Regarding Collection and Exchange of Passenger Name Record Data

The authors conducted the research on the development of data collection on passenger name record (PNR) data and problems regarding their use and exchange for security and criminal investigation purposes. They analyzed the controversial issues that have occurred within the legal framework of the European Union and conducted the research on the interrelation of citizens' fundamental rights and data collection efficiency. The US instigation for the exchange of information has resulted in the adoption of a PNR agreement between the US and the EU, followed by the EU's longstanding battle over the need for a legal act to establish and regulate the PNR system for Member States. After thorough analysis, proposals and unsuccessful attempts by science and profession, and as a rapid reaction and political response to terrorist attacks in Paris, Directive 2016/681 on the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime came into force on 27 April 2016. After implementation, Member States have established their passenger information units (PIUs). With a review on the opposing views of the establishment of a large-scale information system for collection and processing of personal data, at the end of the article the current situation in Croatia is also presented.