Telecom Package: European Parliament amendment threatens

BRUSSELS (30 March 2009) - The European Parliament will soon vote on an amendment to the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) that could seriously disrupt Internet usage by European citizens. No need has been proven for specific legislation that would alter current law. IAB Europe therefore urges legislators not to adopt this Amendment.

“This amendment, if adopted, risks changing the way the Internet works today,” said IAB Europe Vice President Kimon Zorbas. Users could be faced with repeated pop-up windows or other annoying virtual labels every time they visit a web page, slowing the provision of Internet services and diminishing the user experience. The information provided in the types of notices proposed can typically be found in website privacy policies, which are already required by law".

The amendment on cookies being championed by MEP Alexander Alvaro (FDP/ALDE) (Amendment 84) would adversely impact Internet functionality and usage. The proposal would require both Internet businesses and non-commercial websites to provide a special notification when a cookie is placed.  Cookies are essential for the smooth working of the Internet and provide an enhanced user experience. For example, they are used for authentication purposes, to help remember usernames, passwords, and language choices, as well as to personalize content. 

Rather than increasing data protection, this amendment will impede the way the Internet works and force companies to reengineer their technologies.  “The responsible Rapporteur, MEP Alexander Alvaro (FDP/ALDE), has not provided any evidence that there are problems with the way cookies function today,” said Zorbas. In addition, Mr. Alvaro is disregarding the fact that today’s technologies provide users with the means to manage cookies through refusal, defined acceptance, and deletion of cookies.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe (IAB Europe) (www.iabeurope.eu) is the voice of the online advertising sector through its 23 national IAB associations representing more than 5,000 company members, as well as corporate members including Axel Springer, Alcatel-Lucent, BBC.com. Business Week, comScore Europe, Goldbach Media, Google, Hi-Media, Insites Consulting, Netlog, Nielsen Online, Nugg.ad, Publicitas Europe, Truvo and United Internet Media. Supported by every major media group, agency, portal, technology and service provider, IAB Europe coordinates activities across the region including public affairs, benchmarking, research, standards settings, and best practices.    

Should you have any questions or comments, please email or call Alain Heureux, President, president@iabeurope.eu, phone: +32 495 22 51 35 or Kimon Zorbas, Vice President, vp@iabeurope.eu, phone: +32 494 34 91 68.