European Parliament approves communications data retention

Privacy International analyzes the Directive on communications data retention

" The European Parliament voted today to adopt a new directive allowing for the retention of data "generated by telephony, SMS and internet, but not the content of the information communicated". This data includes email addresses and location data from cell phones. The directive is highly controversial due to the impact it will have on the privacy of European Union citizens.

Also of concern is the broad discretion that is left to EU member states. For example, data may be accessed for the purposes of combatting serious crime and terrorism, but no concrete definition of these concepts has been provided, allowing member states to transpose their own definitions on the provisions of the Directive. In addition, the length of time that a telecommunications company has to retain the data is left relatively undefined - from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 24 months - and member states may extend these time frames. Already several countries have indicated intentions to. "

Full report at Privacy International.

LINKS:

Privacy International Data Retention

Data Retention Petition Campaign

Data Retention Directive

European Parliament