The SIS is a large-scale IT system linked to the abolition of internal border controls of the Schengen territory, which comprises most of the EU territory plus a few other countries.It contains information on objects (e.g. stolen cars, identity documents), as well as persons. Personal information may be recorded in the SIS on:

• third states nationals who are banned from entry to Schengen territory;
• people wanted in relation tocriminal proceedings, or people under police surveillance;
• missing people who should be placed under protection, particularly minors.

It will be replaced by SIS II to allow the connection of more countries, and to provide new functionalities (see the EDPS Opinion on the establishment of SIS II (pdf)).