Technology Bulletin: Impact of the New Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations

The EU's recent directive on privacy and electronic communications (2002/58/EC) which was due to be implemented by Member States by 31 October 2003 is in the process of being brought into force in a variety of EU Member States. The UK's legislation: The Privacy and Electronic Communication (EC Directive) Regulation 2003 comes into force on 11 December 2003. Other Member States near to implementation include Italy (new law in force from 1 January 2004). The EU Commission announced on 5 December 2003 that it has opened infringement proceedings for failing to meet the 31 October deadline against Belgium, Germany, Greece, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, and (for a partial failure) Sweden.