Internet Users Communication to Be Followed by EU

The data stored does not include the content of e-mails and websites, nor a recording of a net phone call, but is used to determine connections between individuals. File photo

Details of user e-mails, website visits and net phone calls will be stored by Internet service providers (ISPs) starting Monday under an EU directive.

All ISPs in the EU will have to store the records for a year, the BBC reported. An EU directive which requires telecoms firms to hold on to telephone records for twelve months is already in force. The data stored does not include the content of e-mails and websites, nor a recording of a net phone call, but is used to determine connections between individuals.

Authorities can get access to the stored records with a warrant only.

"That is a crazy directive with potentially dangerous repercussions for citizens... The EU passed it by saying it was a commercial matter and not a police matter... Because of that they got it through on a simple vote, rather than needing unanimity, which is required for policing matters... Hopefully, we can see some sort of challenge to this directive", Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, Jim Killock, said.

The plans were drawn up in the wake of the London bombings in 2005. ISPs and telecoms firms have resisted the proposals while some countries in the EU are contesting the directive.

Governments across the EU have now started to implement the directive into their own national legislation. Sweden has decided to ignore the directive completely while there is a challenge going through the German courts at present.

 

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