Data Retention Directive

FROM EUROPEAN COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

Commission proposes rules on communication data retention which are both effective for law enforcement and respectful of rights and business interests

(21 September 2005) The European Commission has adopted today a proposal for a Directive on the retention of communications traffic data. The proposal provides for an EU-wide harmonisation of the obligations on providers of publicly available electronic communications, or a public telecommunications network, to retain data related to mobile and fixed telephony for a period of one year, and internet communication data, for six month. The proposed Directive would not be applicable to the actual content of the communications. It also includes a provision ensuring that the service or network providers will be reimbursed for the demonstrated additional costs they will have.

See also: Data Retention Directive - background memo