Summary

On June 9, 2020 the Secretary General of the European Council, a principal policy advisory body to the European Parliament, issued a Policy Directive to All Delegations, entitled Shaping Europe’s Digital Future—Council Conclusions. In the section 5G/6G and connectivity, paragraph 36 states: 

“STRESSES that the roll out of new technologies such as 5G/6G should preserve the abilities of law enforcement authorities, security authorities and the judiciary to perform their legitimate functions effectively. TAKES into account the international guidelines concerning the health impact of electromagnetic fields [EMF]. EXPRESSES the importance of fighting against the spread of misinformation related to 5G networks, with special regard to false claims that such networks constitute a health threat or are linked to COVID-19.” (emphasis added)

This Legal Advisory expresses the deep concerns of numerous scientific and humanitarian organizations concerning the chilling effects on free expression of this Policy Directive, and emphasizes  its illegality under European and International law.