Adoption of new EU Data Protection rules a key milestone for the Digital Single Market

The adoption today of new EU data protection rules constitute a key milestone in the Digital Single Market strategy, according to the European Internet Service Providers Association (EuroISPA). After three years of intensive negotiations, the new rules balance innovative uses of data with the need for consumer protection and privacy.

EuroISPA engaged intensively throughout the process of developing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Internet Services Providers have a crucial interest in ensuring users have trust and confidence in online services. The new agreement achieves that, without jeopardising European ISPs’ ability to innovate and drive the European economy forward. Crucially, the regulation provides future-proof flexibility to ensure development of data-focused technologies and consumer services.

While the new regulation mainstreams data protection rules across sectors, it is essential that the legislation is implemented across the EU in a harmonised manner. The GDPR was inspired by the need to harmonise fragmented data protection rules across the EU. This ambition needs to be maintained in the crucial implementation phase. EuroISPA will continue to engage with both the European Commission and national data protection authorities, to ensure that GDPR implementation allows the European Single Market to thrive.

EuroISPA President Oliver Süme said: “With today’s adoption of the GDPR, Europe is laying down an important milestone in terms of creating trust in the digital economy. After engaging in the three year process leading up to this day, EuroISPA will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the ambition and momentum of the Digital Single Market is maintained in important upcoming policy discussions”.