GSM Europe welcomes the European Parliament rejection of data retention obligations |
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Brussels, Belgium 09th June 2005: GSM Europe, the European interest group of the GSM Association, representing 148 mobile operators in Europe, welcomes the European Parliament's decision this week to reject France, Ireland, Sweden and the UK's demand for an EU-wide data retention regime. The proposed Council Framework Decision would require communications service providers to keep users traffic data for a minimum period of 12 months, with the possibility for individual Member States to increase this period to 48 months if they choose. GSME is pleased that the Parliament has taken this important stance for European citizens and industry.
"The Parliament's vote sends a clear signal to EU governments that this issue needs to be carefully examined before any legislative measures are initiated," said Kaisu Karvala, Chair GSME.
According to the Parliament report, the Council's proposal would create an immense cost burden for European industry while also being incompatible with the European Convention of Human Rights.
"Ultimately, it could hamper the development of the European Information Society. The Council's proposal is not in the spirit of the recently launched i2010-initiative which aims to promote the digital economy and new communications services," said Karvala.
Notes for Editors:
About GSM Europe
About the GSM Association
Contact Information:
Kiki Walravens
Manager, GSM Europe
Tel: +32 2 706 81 04
Email: kwalravens@gsm.org
Web: www.gsmeurope.org
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