UKâs digital economy under threat unless next EU Data Protection Regulation vote is business-friendly, says DMA

The latest vote [Monday 21 October] by the European Parliament's LIBE Committee on amendments to the draft EU Data Protection Regulation would make things “worse, not better” for the UK’s digital economy, according to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

Commenting on the outcome of the vote on the newest set of changes to the Regulation, Caroline Roberts, director of public affairs of the DMA said:

“While the result of the LIBE vote was not unexpected, we’re very disappointed that the Committee voted for a set of amendments that would make things worse, not better for UK business.

“But there is still a way to go before this is decided. We hope that the national governments in the Council of Ministers will take a far more balanced approach in their discussions. It’s vital for all concerned that the new Regulation adequately protects the data privacy rights of people without stifling online innovation that is essential to the continuing growth of the UK’s digital economy.”

The DMA has been leading the campaign to lobby EU lawmakers to deliver a balanced Regulation that protects people's rights to data privacy without harming the UK's multi-billion pound direct marketing industry.

In January, the European Parliament's LIBE Committee Rapporteur, Jan-Philipp Albrecht MEP, EU published proposed changes to the Commission's draft measures to amend European data protection legislation regarding the definition of personal data, limitations on customer profiling, consent to direct marketing and the so-called 'right to be forgotten', which the DMA warned could severely infringe the right of businesses to use data to market their goods and services to consumers.

The DMA has specifically lobbied for a more risk-based approach to data protection; a fairer balance between the personal right to privacy and the legitimate needs of business; a proportionate data regime that recognises that not all data is the same and that different levels of protection are needed for different circumstances; a regime that can guarantee the free flow of data across international borders so that European businesses can have access to fast growing international markets; and less bureaucratic box-ticking that will add considerably to business compliance costs and place unnecessary obstacles to e-commerce growth and jobs, whilst not affording the consumer meaningful privacy protection.

The Council of Ministers are likely to vote on the proposal at their meeting in early December.

Contact

Ed Owen, Head of PR
Tel. 020 7291 3324
Email ed.owen@dma.org.uk