EU: Concern From Industry

The International Communications Round Table (ICRT) – whose groups include Bertelesmann, Reuters, Sony, Microsoft and Dow Jones, and which lobbies on behalf of companies in the media, communications and publishing industries – has called on EU governments to implement and interpret the Data Protection Directive with sensitivity and flexibility. Its concern is that global trade in these businesses may be adversely affected by the Directive if it is narrowly interpreted. The ICRT is pushing for self-regulatory codes through which respect for the confidentiality of data would be promised. The ICRT is focusing its attention on Article 25 of the Directive, which holds that the transfer of personal data to a third country is subject to the level of protection provided by that country. Where there is held not to be adequate levels of protection for such data, MS are free to impose any measures they believe necessary to prevent such data transfers. The ICRT is especially concerned that the definition of what constitutes “adequate” is highly ambiguous, as the Directive currently stands.