EU to remain frontrunner on privacy protection - Hoofdinhoud

The ALDE Group in the European Parliament strongly welcomes the agreement reached today by the European Parliament, Member States and the European Commission on the reform of the data protection package (Regulation and Directive). For the first time, the EU will have harmonised rules in all EU Member States for the protection of data. The ALDE Group believes the high standards agreed in the package are a "victory for citizen's security and rights, while giving a boost to the digital internal market and innovation".

Sophie in 't Veld, ALDE first vice-president and shadow rapporteur, said:

"This reform is a big leap forward. The EU will now have the most extensive data protection laws in the world and will set global standards. This deal will bring more clarity for users and companies, as the EU will finally have a common legal framework, replacing the patchwork of 28 national laws.

“These new privacy rules will give a boost to innovation and eliminate barriers within the internal market,making the EU more attractive for businesses. They combine a principle based approach, to avoid unnecessary red tape,with strong sanctions to provide a real deterrent. We provide exemptions for small businesses,which means the rules offer more privacy but no unnecessary bureaucracy or rules."

“Until now there were hardly any European data protection rules governing the cross boarder action of police and intelligence services; this package will fill this gap. These laws will greatly facilitate the cooperation and exchange between law enforcement and security forces within the EU, which is essential for our fight against crime and terrorism. It was astonishing to see that the EPP group and the Member States made strong attempts to block these rules. Thanks to ALDE  it was kept on the table.”

"This legislation takes account of the Schrems ruling on the protection of data of European citizens in third countries. The rules for transfers of data outside the EU for law enforcement and security purposes have been tightened and clarified. The new law will protect companies against court orders from non-EU countries forcing them to disclose or transfer personal data in violation of EU laws.

"Although we are happy with the overall result, we regret the fact that EU Government's managed to weaken the rights of users on a number of points. It is striking that our national governments behave more like the representatives of big industry and the secret services, than the custodians of fundamental rights and the rule of law".