April 15, 2009 By Wayne Hanson
"Europeans must have the right to control how their personal information is used." -- EU Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding (pictured).
EU Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding, in her weekly video message, today said "Europeans must have the right to control how their personal information is used. European privacy rules are crystal clear: your information can only be used with your prior consent." In her address, Reding warns that social networking, RFID chips, behavioral advertising based on a user's Web browsing, and other such technology-based innovations often violate EU privacy rules and says that if they are not reined in by self-regulation that she is prepared to take action against them.
As an example, she called for online profiles of minors to be unavailable to search engines. She also said that "no European should carry a chip in one of their possessions without being informed precisely what they are used for, with the choice to remove or switch it off at any time."
In a warning to non-EU countries, she said that the EU will bring new initiatives when they are needed to ensure individual control over personal data, "in particular in cooperation with third countries where your personal data may be affected." She said the next Commission, which will come into office at the end of the year, must review Europe's rules on protecting personal information and reform those rules to account for new technology developments.
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
427 Members
77 Discussions
84 Files
Latest members Become a member
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
669 Members
145 Discussions
150 Files
Latest members Become a member
Until recently, there was no alternative to the familiar desktop computer, and its expensive upgrades and maintenance requirements. For cash-strapped local governments, the desktop computer is quickly becoming an unsustainable option for future progress. Now, a technology known as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) offers an alternative. It can be significantly more affordable than buying individual computers for every employee, and it provides similar capability. This paper shows how VDI is the future of the desktop and is a game-changer for local governments.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the latest in digital government solutions, keep abreast of current policy issues and network with key government executives, technologists and industry specialists.
Digital Communities News In Your Inbox
Subscribe to Digital Communities
Digital Communities (DC) is e.Republic‘s local government program. The particular strength of DC is its focus on encouraging collaboration and creating productive relationships between and among cities, counties, regions and select private sector companies uniquely positioned to help improve the delivery of public services.
Subscribe | View Digital Issue