French legislation has granted the right to use augmented video surveillance cameras in the context of major sporting events that are coming up in France. La Quadrature du Net, faithful to its historic positions, is a fierce opponent of these measures.
And the association obviously does not digest the support for the regulations of the majority deputy Philippe Latombe, also a member of the CNIL. For La Quadrature du Net, the support of the elected official would not be completely neutral.
Dangerous connections with AN2V
In a letter addressed to the president of the protection authority, Marie-Laure Denis, she reports potential breaches of the ethical obligations of the member (since August 2022) and deputy of Vendée.
The organization criticizes him in particular for being too close to the AN2V, which represents the interests of video surveillance players. Philippe Latombe is singled out for his close ties with industrialists in the sector.
During a meeting of the AN2V, which was attended by a member of LQDN, the member of the Cnil would have “exceeded the duties of reserve and discretion inherent” in his role within the Commission. Philippe Latombe is suspected of a conflict of interest and of having provided information on the application decrees of the JO law – some of which were consulted within the Cnil.
In addition, the deputy of the presidential majority “spoke without any independence in favor of the interests of an industry and for the development of video surveillance”, still reproaches the association.
Confusion of the roles of deputy and commissioner?
Another grievance invoked: the denigration of the Cnil. For these various facts, Philippe Latombe would contravene the law on the status of independent administrative authorities and the provisions of the Code of Ethics. The president of the Cnil is thus invited to take a position and possibly take sanctions.
Questioned by the Digital Factory, the parliamentarian refutes any offense or conflict of interest. He indicates that he asked to speak to explain himself behind closed doors on September 7 during the Cnil college, in the presence of the various commissioners.
The deputy attributes the LQDN attacks to his belonging to the presidential majority more than to his positions with regard to video surveillance. “La Quadrature is not happy with the decision of the Constitutional Council, which validated the OJ text, and is angry with the whole world”, he comments.