EU proposes right to remove online personal data

EU Commissioner Viviane Reding says the protection of personal data is a fundamental right

The EU Commissioner Viviane Reding wants to strengthen individuals' rights online

The European Commission has called for individuals to have more control of their personal data online, stating that the ability to modify or delete personal data is a right that should be guaranteed by web site owners.

This call was made following the launch of a policy review on 4 November that will be used to update the EU’s 1995 Data Protection Directive. The directive will be presented to the European parliament in 2011, following a public consultation that ends on 15 January.

The review suggests modernising the EU framework for data protection rules through goals such as strengthening individuals' rights so that the collection and use of personal data is limited.

Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship said on the issue: "The protection of personal data is a fundamental right. To guarantee this right, we need clear and consistent data protection rules.

"We also need to bring our laws up to date with the challenges raised by new technologies and globalisation,” she added.

The Commission has now set out a strategy on how best to protect individuals' data in all policy areas, while reducing red tape for business and guaranteeing the free circulation of data within the EU.

Submissions of comment from the public and other interested parties can be made on the EU Commission’s public consultation web site.