A cross-industry group of EU bodies, including the IAB, has issued a response to the latest developments in Brussels on the European Commission’s draft data protection proposals.
The European Commission is seeking to update data protection law across Europe - for more information see the IAB's factsheet on European Commission Data Protection Reforms.
The Industry Coalition for Data Protection (ICDP) has expressed concern about a draft report by the leading European Parliament Committee examining the proposals which proposes greater restrictions.
The ICDP has called on all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) looking at the proposals to ensure the proposals update data protection law across EU markets as well as empower consumers, but do not throttle innovation.
Nick Stringer, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the IAB UK, comments: “We support strong data protection law across Europe to protect consumers. However, this must be balanced with a need to allow for new business models and innovation. A failure to deliver this will be a significant set-back for Europe’s digital agenda, as well as the UK digital economy, and it is European citizens that will lose out.”
The ICDP adds: “The Industry Coalition for Data Protection (ICDP) continues to support the European Union's (EU) efforts to update privacy rules to 21st century standards. We regret, however, that after months of consultation, the draft report published by the rapporteur, Jan Philipp Albrecht, MEP, missed an opportunity to reconcile effective privacy safeguards with rules protecting the conduct of business—both fundamental rights under the EU charter.”
“Going forward, we urge members of the European Parliament, starting with the LIBE Committee, to take into account the important contributions emanating from other committees, and to enact legislation that maintains user trust while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. Achieving this result will require a thorough examination of the proposal and should not be rushed.”
The Industry Coalition for Data Protection (ICDP) is comprised of 15 leading industry associations: Association for Competitive Technology (ACT), AmCham EU, BSA | The Software Alliance, DIGITALEUROPE, European Digital Media Association (EDiMA), European Multi-channel and Online Trade Association (EMOTA), European Publishers Council (EPC), EuroISPA, Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing (FEDMA), GS1, IAB Europe, Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE), Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE), TechAmerica Europe, and the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
