Press Release: European Data Protection Day 2013: Full speed ahead towards reliable and modern EU data protection laws

Author (Corporate)
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Series Details IP/13/57 (28.01.13)
Publication Date 28/01/2013
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One year ago, ahead of the European Data Protection Day 2012, the European Commission proposed a root and branch reform of the EU’s data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century (IP/12/46). One year later on 28 January 2013, considerable headway has been made and negotiations on the new rules are progressing at full speed.

The reasons are clear: To flourish, the digital economy needs trust. Many people are not confident about giving out their personal data online. This means they are less likely to use online services and other technologies. Strong, reliable, consistently applied rules will make data processing safer, cheaper and strengthen people’s confidence. Confidence in turn drives growth. Some estimates show that EU GDP could grow by a further 4% by 2020 if the EU takes the necessary steps to create a modern digital single market.

On 26 October 2012 (SPEECH/12/764) and 18 January 2013 (SPEECH/13/29), European justice ministers held detailed discussions on the reform proposals, including the right to be forgotten, fines for organisations which mishandle personal data and the costs and benefits of the new rules for businesses.

Meanwhile, on 8 January 2013, the European Commission welcomed the support for strong EU data protection rules expressed in the draft reports by the European Parliament on the reform proposals (MEMO/13/4). Both the European Parliament and ministers meeting in the Council of the EU will continue their discussions over the coming months under the Irish Presidency of the EU.

Source Link http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-57_en.htm
Related Links
European Commission: MEMO/13/39: The Data Protection reform - One year on http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-39_en.htm
European Commission: SPEECH/13/94: Culture and copyright in the digital environment http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-94_en.htm
European Commission: SPEECH/13/96: Digital technology and copyright can fit together http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-96_en.htm
European Commission: SPEECH/13/97: Licences for Europe: quality content and new opportunities for all Europeans in the digital era http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-97_en.htm

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