Council common position on processing of personal data and the free movement of data
The European Council has published its common position on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of data. The proposed Directive seeks to facilitate the free movement of data within the Community by affording individuals a high level of protection with regard to the processing of personal data. Harmonization of the relevant national laws has proved necessary because of their wide divergence and of data exchange requirements imposed by completion of the internal market. The Directive does not stand in the way of a Member State's regulating marketing activities aimed at consumers residing in its territory in so far as such regulation does not concern the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.