15 March, 2011
Press release: Joint Industry Statement: Review of EU legal framework for data protection
Europe’s electronic communications operators call for a user-centric privacy framework that supports innovation: Europe’s leading fixed and mobile e-communications operators advocate for data protection rules to be flexible, technologically neutral and horizontally apply to all economic sectors and actors offering online services to EU citizens.
BRUSSELS – Europe’s leading fixed and mobile e-communications operators advocate for data protection rules to be flexible, technologically neutral and horizontally apply to all economic sectors and actors offering online services to EU citizens.
“Although basic principles of the existing legislation remain valid, their interpretation, application and enforcement have not resulted in the harmonised framework and level playing field necessary to establishing certainty for data controllers and individuals”, underline Cable Europe, ECTA, ETNO, EuroISPA and GSMA Europe in a joint statement to policy makers involved in the review of the Data Protection Directive.
Trust and confidence is necessary for users to embrace new broadband services and is a critical factor for the success of the Digital Agenda. EU citizens’ personal data should be granted the same level of protection, regardless of the geographical location or the economic sector of the service provider.
The protection of EU citizens’ privacy will only be ensured if the internal market in the area of privacy and data protection is fully achieved through greater levels of harmonisation throughout the EU 27 member states.
These rules need to be adapted and modernised to take on board the emergence of new services such as cloud computing which involve multiple data controllers/processors. Education and awareness are also key as individuals are increasingly becoming the data controllers of their own data when they seek to publish and share their information online.
Europe’s e-communications operators call for an EU privacy framework that guarantees users’ high standards of data and privacy protection while at the same time encouraging innovation in today’s digital environment.
Download the joint industry press release
