Agreement on Commission’s EU data protection reform
The Reform consists of two separate parts –
- The General Data Protection Regulation will enable people to better control their personal data. At the same time modernised and unified rules will allow businesses to make the most of the opportunities of the Digital Single Market by cutting red tape and benefiting from reinforced consumer trust.
- The Data Protection Directive for the police and criminal justice sector will ensure that the data of victims, witnesses, and suspects of crimes, are duly protected in the context of a criminal investigation or a law enforcement action. At the same time more harmonised laws will also facilitate cross-border cooperation of police or prosecutors to combat crime and terrorism more effectively across Europe.
A fundamental right for citizens – The reform will allow people to regain control of their personal data. The new rules address these concerns by strengthening the existing rights and empowering individuals with more control over their personal data. They include:
- easier access to your own data
- a right to data portability
- a clarified “right to be forgotten”
- the right to know when your data has been hacked
Clear modern rules for businesses – In today’s digital economy, personal data has acquired enormous economic significance, in particular in the area of big data. By unifying Europe’s rules on data protection, lawmakers are creating a business opportunity and encouraging innovation.
- One continent, one law: one set of rules which will make it simpler and cheaper for companies to do business in the EU.
- One-stop-shop: businesses will only have to deal with one single supervisory authority.
- European rules on European soil – companies based outside of Europe will have to apply the same rules when offering services in the EU.
- Risk-based approach: avoid a one-size-fits-all obligation
Protecting personal data in the area of law enforcement
- Better co-operation between law enforcement authorities
- Better protection of citizens’ data