Brussels calls for review of data privacy

Author (Person) ,
Series Title
Series Details 15.4.09
Publication Date 15/04/2009
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The European Commission has opened an infringement proceeding against the United Kingdom, April 2009, after a series of complaints by UK internet users, and extensive communication of the Commission with UK authorities, about the use of a behavioural advertising technology known as ‘Phorm' by internet service providers.

The proceeding addresses several problems with the UK's implementation of EU ePrivacy and personal data protection rules, under which EU countries must ensure, among other things, the confidentiality of communications by prohibiting interception and surveillance without the user's consent. These problems emerged during the Commission’s inquiry into the UK authorities’ action in response to complaints from internet users concerning Phorm.

Related Links
European Commission: Press Release: IP/09/570: Telecoms: Commission launches case against UK over privacy and personal data protection http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/570&format=DOC&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Website: Phorm http://www.phorm.com/
Wikipedia: Phorm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phorm
European Commission: Press Release, IP/09/571: Citizens' privacy must become priority in digital age, says EU Commissioner Reding http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/571&format=DOC&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
BBC News, 14.4.09: EC starts legal action over Phorm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7998009.stm
EurActiv, 15.4.09: EU targets online behavioural adverts http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/eu-targets-online-behavioural-ad-news-221710
The Register, 14.4.09: Brussels to sue UK over Phorm failures http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/14/eu_phorm_formal/

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