European Parliament votes to preserve data privacy

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http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2302154/european-parliament-votes-to-preserve-data-privacy

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Moves to block data transfer to US agencies

European Parliament votes to preserve data privacy
By Dave Neal
Tue Oct 22 2013, 12:06

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT has voted for preserving the privacy of citizens' communications and will block organisations from sharing information with US authorities, up to a point.

The vote was anticipated and highlighted by civil rights groups who clubbed together to press ministers on the importance of privacy protection in the light of revelations about internet surveillance by the US National Security Agency.

According to the parliament, the Civil Liberties Committee voted to include "stronger safeguards for data transfers to non-EU countries," and various rules including the right to erasure and big fines for firms that break the rules.

"This evening's vote is a breakthrough for data protection rules in Europe, ensuring that they are up to the the challenges of the digital age. This legislation introduces overarching EU rules on data protection, replacing the current patchwork of national laws", said rapporteur for the general data protection regulation, Jan Philipp Albrecht.