BRUSSELS — January 10, 2017 — BSA supports the overarching goal of the Commission’s legislative proposal on e-privacy, released earlier today. Ensuring the confidentiality of communications and protecting customer privacy are objectives shared by our Member Companies.

However, the proposed measures in their current form are overly prescriptive, disproportionate, and could hinder innovation. We are concerned that the current text could create undue restrictions on communications data processing and on network security, and it may contradict provisions of the recently adopted GDPR.

 “We believe there is a way to protect the confidentiality of communications without creating legal uncertainty, which may stifle market-driven innovation,” said Thomas Boué, BSA Director General, Policy – EMEA.

Commenting on the next steps, he said: “The co-legislators will play a critical role in the months ahead to improve the proposal, and we look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with all parties involved.”