Technology increasingly shapes criminal law and procedures, bringing about substantial changes. Examples include the collection of digital evidence, encryption’s impact on communication and financial transactions, virtual attendance in court hearings, and the emergence of new modi operandi in cyberspace.
Acknowledging the rapid pace of technological advancement, the ECBA emphasizes the critical need to ensure legal professionals possess comprehensive expertise to keep pace with these developments. Furthermore, fostering the exchange of expertise and insights among members beyond national borders is key.
To address these challenges, the ECBA has established a dedicated working group focusing on the digital aspects of criminal law and justice, encompassing areas such as e-evidence, the digitalisation of criminal proceedings, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, blockchain technology, and beyond.
The ECBA actively monitors developments in these fields, raising critical questions about privacy, procedural safeguards, and the protection of rights. For example:
The working group pursues the following goals:
The working group is co-chaired by Gwen Jansen-de Wolf (Netherlands) and Alexis Anagnostakis (Greece).
If you are interested in joining the working group or wish to discuss its work, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The European Criminal Bar Association has submitted its response to the EU Commission's consultation on the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689), focusing on several aspects affecting criminal law and procedure.
Key points addressed:
Our response emphasises the importance of clear guidelines that protect fundamental rights while accommodating technological advancement in criminal proceedings.
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