Estonian law requires telecom companies to collect data about people's phone calls. For example, who was called, how long the call lasted, and where the caller was. This does not comply with EU law, which has been known for years.
Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta wants to end data collection. Her plan is to align Estonian law with EU law. Then telecom companies would not have to store data. However, law enforcement could still use business data.
Interior Minister Igor Taro disagrees with Pakosta's plan. He says communication data is very important for investigating serious crimes. In his opinion, business data alone is not enough.
Taro wrote that Pakosta's plan does not take into account the needs of the police. Serious crimes cannot be investigated without communication data.
The Ministry of the Interior wants the government to be able to order data storage for three years. This could be extended for another three years. Additionally, they want to store data near borders and important locations.
Taro says society cannot rely solely on business data. Communication data is necessary to ensure security.