Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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| 8.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 88/199 |

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(2004/C 88 E/0206)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0665/04

by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject:   Safety standards for image editing of scanned banknotes

The latest versions of Adobe Photoshop CS and Paint Shop Pro do not allow images of banknotes to be imported or edited. The mechanism involved, which has been developed by the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG), a consortium of central banks from around the world, is a major step forward in preventing the counterfeiting of banknotes.

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| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this mechanism? |

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| 2. | Is the Commission planning to introduce this mechanism as a mandatory safety standard? |

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(28 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the efforts of the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG) to develop counterfeit deterrence technology aimed at preventing the digital reproduction of banknote images.

The Commission considers it important that the counterfeit deterrence technology be applied.

The Commission has been in contact with the European Central Bank (ECB) on the issue of initiating legislation making mandatory the use of the counterfeit deterrence technology in products capable of handling digital images.

In agreement with the Commission, the ECB is currently preparing a preliminary assessment directly with the industry.

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