Ref: Draft Directive concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector, in particular in the integrated services digital network (ISDN) and in the public digital mobile networks

Statement by the European Conference of Data Protection Commissioners

The European Data Protection Commissioners, meeting in Brussels on 19 September 1997, discussed the present state of the conciliation procedure regarding the Draft Directive con-cerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector, in particular in the integrated services digital network (ISDN) and in the public digital mobile networks.

The Data Protection Commissioners note with concern that the conciliation procedure has not been completed yet due to controversies that have arisen with regard to certain details (e.g. confidentiality of communications; protection of legal persons; gratuity of non-entry in public directories).

The European Data Protection Commissioners strongly suggest that the adoption of the Directive is an necessary sectorial measure for data protection in the Internal Market. With the full liberalisation of the telecommunications market in January 1998 a specific minimum standard of data protection in this field is of vital importance.

In view of the Data Protection Commissioners the confidentiality of data originating in communication is essential for the protection of privacy as expressed in the Common Position amended by Parliament.

lt is highly desirable that the Directive is adopted in the near future taking into account these considerations since the implementation period expires in October 1998. Any further delay

would diminish the possibilities of timely transposition into the law of the Member States