Vital to protect our digital economy

A reform of the EU’s data protection rules, which date back to pre-internet times, is on the way, write Viviane Reding and Alan Shatter

ONE year ago, ahead of the European Data Protection Day 2012, the European Commission proposed a root-and-branch reform of the EU’s data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century. One year on, it’s easy to see why clear and modernised rules are needed.

New rules are needed which both protect citizens’ rights and facilitate business in the digital age. The Lisbon Treaty provides a legal basis for strengthened data protection safeguards for citizens.