Oversight bodies have in academic publications206 and at
international conferences and public events raised the
question of how to regulate international cooperation.
For example, a representative of the Dutch oversight
body addressed the absence of an international legal
framework for international cooperation.
Regulating international cooperation
“And also on a national level [international cooperation]
tends to be underregulated. Cooperation criteria are often unclear and there is no independent body involved
in authorizing e.g. the exchange of personal data. Yet
possible consequences can be far-reaching. Once data is
exchanged, it is out of your hands. Foreign partners use
your data for purposes you disagree of, e.g. illegal detention or targeting. The last years, secret services have
intensified their international cooperation. The exchange
of personal data takes place not only in bilateral contacts
but increasingly also within a multilateral network, leading to databases and operational platforms. […] Hence it
is very important to start by setting national standards.
And to allow national oversight bodies to assess this cooperation. […] [R]elations between national oversight
bodies are very important. Not only to exchange experience and views, but also to identify cross border issues
and discuss findings in similar investigations. All within
the existing legal mandates.”
Bos-Ollermann, H. (2016)
206 Born, H., Leigh, I. and Wills, A. (2015).
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