Paris: The second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) has started work to increase security and facilitate free movement within the Schengen area, says EU statement.
The SIS II allows for an easy exchange of information between national border control authorities, customs and police authorities on persons who may have been involved in a serious crime.
It also contains alerts on missing persons, in particular children, as well as information on certain property, such as banknotes, cars, vans, firearms and identity documents that may have been stolen, misappropriated or lost.
SIS II ensures strong data protection. Access to SIS II is limited to the national border control, police, customs, judicial, visa and vehicle registration authorities. Anyone has the right to access data that is related to them and entered in the SIS II and can also request the competent national authority to correct or delete their personal information. Everyone can also take action before a court, to access, correct, delete or obtain information or to obtain compensation in connection with an alert relating to them. The National Supervisory Authorities and the European Data Protection Supervisor shall cooperate actively and ensure a coordinated supervision of SIS II.
Background
SIS II is a state-of-the-art IT system and consists of three components: a central system, Schengen States’ national systems and a communication infrastructure between the central and national systems.
At the end of February 2013, the total budgetary commitments made by the Commission on the SIS II project since 2002 amounts to EUR 167 784 606.
As from 9 May 2013 the IT Agency (eu-LISA) will take over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the central system.
