What is the problem? Data protection rules vary and are difficult to understand

EU citizens have the right to the protection of their personal data and to their privacy in the online world. However, these rights are encoded in many different laws and are not always easy to grasp, while national approaches to data protection rules can vary widely across the EU.

Why is EU action needed? Lack of trust means less online business

This lack of clarity in online privacy rules triggers a lack of trust among consumers, which slows down the growth of Europe's online economy. Worries about payment security privacy concerns and trust were some of the top reasons for not making online purchases in a survey of people who did not shop online in 2009. Recent surveys and independent studies confirm that privacy concerns continue to grow among the public.

What will the Commission do? The European Commission(DG JUST in lead) will review EU data protection rules with the aim of modernising all relevant legal instruments to enhance trust and confidence of European consumers.

In 2010 :

• the Commission consulted the public and stakeholders and adopt a Commission Communication on renewing the EU data protection rules

In 2011 & 2012:

• work towards European Parliament and Council adoption of the legislation.

Contact:

Bernd.Langeheine@ec.europa.eu