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EU ePrivacy Regulation

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
€20M or 4%
Scope
Regional
Regulator
DPAs
Status
Pending

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Overview

The ePrivacy Regulation will replace the current ePrivacy Directive and strengthen privacy rules for electronic communications in the EU, working alongside the GDPR.

Key Facts

  • Expected to be enacted in 2024
  • Will be directly applicable across EU
  • Complements and particularizes GDPR

Key Rules

Electronic Communications Privacy

Enhanced protection for electronic communications content and metadata.

Requirements

  • Ensure communications confidentiality
  • Protect metadata processing
  • Implement end-to-end encryption
  • Obtain consent for processing
  • Enable privacy settings

Examples

  • Encryption protocols
  • Metadata handling policies
  • Privacy settings interfaces
  • Consent mechanisms

Cookies and Tracking

Stricter rules for cookies and similar tracking technologies.

Requirements

  • Browser-level cookie controls
  • Clear consent mechanisms
  • Respect privacy settings
  • Document tracking methods
  • Regular compliance reviews

Examples

  • Browser cookie settings
  • Consent management platforms
  • Privacy preference centers
  • Tracking documentation

Direct Marketing Rules

Enhanced requirements for electronic marketing communications.

Requirements

  • Obtain explicit consent
  • Provide opt-out options
  • Include sender information
  • Maintain consent records
  • Honor user preferences

Examples

  • Marketing consent forms
  • Opt-out mechanisms
  • Sender identification
  • Preference management

Compliance Requirements

Privacy Settings Implementation

Requirements for implementing privacy-respecting default settings.

Implementation Steps

  • Configure privacy-by-default settings
  • Implement user controls
  • Document settings options
  • Regular testing
  • Update mechanisms

Required Documentation

  • Settings documentation
  • User interface designs
  • Testing reports
  • Update logs
  • Compliance records

Security Requirements

Implementation of security measures for communications protection.

Implementation Steps

  • Deploy encryption solutions
  • Implement access controls
  • Monitor security
  • Regular assessments
  • Incident response

Required Documentation

  • Security policies
  • Technical specifications
  • Assessment reports
  • Monitoring logs
  • Incident procedures

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Fines

Significant administrative fines aligned with GDPR enforcement framework.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to €20M or 4% of global revenue
For violations of core privacy requirements
General Violations
Up to €10M or 2% of global revenue
For violations of technical and organizational measures
Non-Compliance
Up to €20M or 4%
For non-compliance with regulatory orders

Example Cases

Hypothetical Marketing Case
€10M
2024 - Unauthorized marketing communications
Hypothetical Tracking Case
€15M
2024 - Non-compliant cookie practices

Corrective Powers

Data protection authorities can impose various corrective measures.

Penalty Categories

Processing Bans
Activity Suspension
Temporary or permanent ban on processing
Compliance Orders
Mandatory Changes
Orders to bring operations into compliance
Certification Withdrawal
Status Revocation
Withdrawal of certifications

Example Cases

Hypothetical Communications Case
Processing Ban
2024 - Non-compliant communications monitoring
Hypothetical Privacy Case
Compliance Order
2024 - Inadequate privacy controls