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
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