EU law gives people the right to change their own digital history – Vanessa Barnett, Partner at law firm, Charles Russell
“Under plans which are due to be unveiled tomorrow, it is proposed that individuals will be given extensive new rights over their online privacy. Under far reaching plans – in its most significant act in the area since enshrining a right to privacy at all – the EU finally drags data protection into the Internet age. These rights are to include more transparency and more control for individuals, including the right to be ‘deleted’. What does that mean in practice? It means the embarrassing photo evaporates and that ‘not meant to be public’ tweet is gone. For individuals this is a welcome move, but the implementation will be challenging. We currently have a mix of rules across tens of member states and harmonisation will be difficult, legally and operationally. Once harmonised, the compliance costs to businesses will be significant – as will more stringent notification of breach requirements (i.e. within 24 hours). However, businesses embracing the new regime will benefit by grabbing ‘mind share’ of the market, as individuals more readily choose relationships with online services that actively respect their rights to privacy. We urge businesses not just to react to it, but to plan for it.”
Contacts and for further information:
Lisa Elliott, Lansons Communications
T: +44 (0)20 7294 3679
charlesrussell@lansons.com
Camilla Russell, Charles Russell
(T) +44 (0)20 7203 5161
camilla.russell@charlesrussell.co.uk
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