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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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13 September 2002
NEWS RELEASE
DATA REVIEW MEANS CHANGE FOR BUSINESSES
A review of European data protection law could spell serious changes for Leicestershire businesses and consumers, according to the Euro Info Centre at Business Link for Leicestershire.
The European Commission is carrying out the review to ensure the Data Protection Directive is working correctly, and Euro Info Centre manager Sarah Wilson says the findings may have far-reaching consequences.
"Any business which holds personal data, including banks and medical services, could be affected by the review, which could also influence personal privacy. Issues such as security during online-shopping and the right for bosses to read employees emails in the workplace are both linked to data protection."
Rules currently in place require that data is collected for specific and legitimate purposes and used accordingly. It must be accurate and up to date and any information that identifies individuals must not be kept longer than necessary or transferred to a country or territory outside the EU unless it is known that data protection guidelines are enforced.
Feedback from the review is due to be discussed at a conference at the end of September, together with any proposed changes.
Sarah Wilson added, "It is in the interests of businesses to allow the free movement of information in the Internal Market, however it is vital that privacy is respected. The review will ensure that the Data Protection Directive is working in the interests of everyone."
Ends
Notes to Editors
The Leicester Euro Info Centre is part of a network of some 250 Euro Info Centres set up by the European Commission throughout Europe. Staffed by a team of informed and qualified professionals, it has direct access to the European Commission, to help SMEs in the region meet the challenges involved in successfully tapping the European market.
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
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