EU Commissioner revising Data Protection Directive (DPD)

A new law in the United States requiring substantial fines for improper disposal will likely not go unnoticed by the EU Commission currently revising the Data Protection Directive (DPD), according to NAID CEO Bob Johnson – especially if NAID has anything to say about it.

“When the EU DPD was originally created, it put the region on the leading edge of privacy protection,” says Johnson. “However, in the 15 years since that time, other regions have recognized the critical need for stronger enforcement.”  Johnson continues, “It is no surprise that data protection officials across the region are calling for reform of the DPD are primarily looking for stronger powers and enforcement in the next version.” (For more on this subject, see “EC DEMANDS UK DPA ENFORCEMENT”, below.)

NAID-Europe has already engaged in discussion with those responsible for revising the DPD, primarily the office of Ms Viviane Reding (Luxembourg), currently the EU Commission Vice President.   A spokesperson for EU Commissioner Reding recently stated that, "Commissioner Reding envisages it as a bit more than simply 'an amendment'... It is rather an overhaul,” indicating that she sees the revision to be quite extensive.

“It is our job to make sure those working on the new DPD see that jurisdictions around the world have the same issue and are taking action,” says Johnson. “We’ll make sure of it.”

Johnson will provide an updated revision of the DPD that will examine the indications of what it will likely hold for the secure destruction industry at the upcoming NAID-Europe /PRISM Conference.  In addition, he will brief members on the association’s ongoing strategy with the EU Commission, discuss the movement toward more data protection enforcement around the world, and review the results of the Consumer Attitudes Research Survey.