Prism Scandal: ALDE obtains a debate with Commission

"This 'Datagate' means that all our emails and other electronic communication, including social media, even if sent only between EU citizens, can be intercepted and read by US security services. This has obvious and very serious privacy consequences for EU citizens".

"We have always been firm on data protection within the EU and when negotiating with third countries, including the US. It would be unacceptable and would need swift action from the EU if indeed the US National Security Agency were processing European data without permission ".

"Many European companies are caught between European and U.S. law. Brussels must ensure that European privacy legislation actually protects people and businesses. Both the European Commission and the EU Member States have been extremely negligent in doing so," said Sophie in 't Veld (D66, Netherlands) who has been questioning the European Commission since 2009.

"PRISM is one of many programs that provides unlimited access to Internet and phone records. I am very pleased with all the media attention; this should be a wake up call. This is the second time (after SWIFT in 2006), that we discovered the US has been secretly tapping into personal data of EU citizens for years. We need to clarify the nature of our transatlantic relations. Friends do not spy on each other", she continued.

"Internet is a great invention, but the privacy of citizens is increasingly under pressure. Our personal data need to be well protected", in't Veld concluded.