Keeping track of terrorists after 1992

Abstract

This study examines the dilemma of striking a balance between ensuring internal security within a unified Europe with no internal borders and safeguarding civil liberties from security‐related abuses. Terrorism, particularly of the indigenous nationalist variety, will likely persist, as well as less structured movements and single‐issue groups willing to cooperate with them. International crime rings involved in computer fraud and drug trafficking pose an even greater danger. Technological methods for checking identities and detecting impersonation that are cost‐effective and reliable do exist, as well as computerized means of information exchange. The problem is to prevent abuse, such as discriminatory use of identity checks to intimidate specific groups, for example, young immigrants, and corruption, such as use of stored information for commercial purposes.