Another controversial subject is the ongoing EU data protection reform. The EDPS just published his annual report for 2012 and warned the European Parliament not to bend to the pressure from industry and third countries to lower the existing level of data protection, but instead to ensure stronger and more effective protection of EU citizens. ('Smart, sustainable, inclusive Europe': only with stronger and more effective data protection)
The issue of personal data protection was also mentioned during the vote at the Culture Committee of the European Parliament on a report regarding advertising in the audiovisual media and the protection of minors. Current rules on advertising do not apply to the internet, therefore, the MEPs argue for an introduction of a new EU framework. The new rules could also protect EU citizens against any automatic profiling. (Towards a common legislative framework for audiovisual media and Internet)
