BAKGRUNN (fra Rådets pressemelding 7.3.2013, engelsk utgave)

SIS II
The Council adopted two decisions concerning the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II). These decisions fix the date of application of decision 2007/533/JHA [1] (6840/1/13 REV 1) and regulation 1987/2006 [2] (6841/1/13 REV 1) on 9 April 2013.

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a database shared by participating countries' border and migration authorities, and law enforcement authorities and contains information on persons and on lost and stolen objects. Specific stringent data protection rules apply to the SIS. It is a compensatory measure for the opening of the internal borders under the Schengen agreement, but it is also seen as a vital security factor in the EU. 

SIS II is a more advanced version of the system and will have enhanced functionalities, such as the possibility to use biometrics, new types of alerts, the possibility to link different alerts (such as an alert on a person and a vehicle) and a facility for direct queries on the system. It will also ensure stronger data protection. SIS II will be in operation on 9 April 2013, becoming one of the world's largest IT systems in the field. It will consist of three components: a Central System, EU States’ national systems and a communication infrastructure (network) between the Central and the national systems.

[1] OJ L 205, 7.8.2007
[2] OJ L 381, 28.12.2006