A new resolution proposed by the Liberal Alliance and The Alternative to establish a privacy commission in Denmark has garnered support from nearly all opposition parties in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). The commission aims to assess surveillance, data processing, and privacy interventions and recommend ways to balance security and privacy.

The proposal follows criticism of a new PET (Danish Security and Intelligence Service) law, which the government has postponed until after the summer holidays. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard initially rejected the idea of a privacy commission but has since softened his stance, stating he is not dismissive of the idea, though he emphasized the importance of its objectives.

The proposed privacy commission would have two primary goals: to examine the evolution of surveillance, data processing, and privacy breaches in Denmark and to formulate recommendations for ensuring a proper balance between security, public safety, and individual privacy rights in the future. Steffen Larsen (LA), spokesperson on legal affairs, emphasized the importance of setting boundaries to protect citizens from constant monitoring and ensure their right to be informed about when they are under surveillance.

Critics argue the government’s PET law grants the Danish Security and Intelligence Service excessive powers for mass surveillance, a claim the Minister of Justice denies, stating the debate has been based on misunderstandings. Hummelgaard intends to call for renewed negotiations on the PET bill after the summer break.