Europeans' Privacy will be big challenge in next decade, says EU Commissioner
Source: ePSIPublished Monday, February 1, 2010 - 15:40
On the 4th annual Data Protection day (28th January 2010) the European Commission announced the intention to reform the 1995 European Union (EU) Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC.
The press release IP/10/63 (Brussels, 28 January 2010) titled: Europeans' Privacy will be big challenge in next decade, says EU Commissioner states:
“Our privacy faces new challenges: behavioural advertising can use your internet history to better market products; social networking sites used by 41.7 million Europeans allow personal information like photos to be seen by others; and the 6 billion smart chips used today can trace your movements. The European Commission today – Data Protection Day – warned that data protection rules must be updated to keep abreast of technological change to ensure the right to privacy, legal certainty for industry, and the take-up of new technologies. EU rules say that a person's information can only be used on legitimate grounds, with their prior consent. With the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights now in force, the Commission today said it wants to create a clear, modern set of rules for the whole EU guaranteeing a high level of personal data protection and privacy, starting with a reform of the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive.
"EU rules are there to protect everyone’s personal data. The European Commission has proved its commitment to making these rules fully respected by all 27 EU countries. Innovation is important in today’s society but should not go at the expense of people's fundamental right to privacy. Now we have to make sure that the general data protection rules are up-to-date with technology and as comprehensive the Lisbon Treaty requires," said Viviane Reding, the EU's Information Society and Media Commissioner. "EU rules should allow everyone to realise their right to know when their personal data can be lawfully processed, in any area of life, whether boarding a plane, opening a bank account or surfing the internet, and to say no to it whenever they want."
At today's 4th annual Data Protection Day, the European Commission said that the measures it applied to internet technology are needed throughout the economy and society to protect Europeans' privacy and personal data.
To do this, Commissioner Reding announced that she will propose to modernise EU privacy rules, building on the general rules (Data Protection Directive) in place since 1995, and specific telecoms and internet rules (e-Privacy rules).
The improved rules would be vigorously applied across all policy areas and international agreements, be it new technologies, consumer rights or public security.”
