RD213 - ETNO RD on article 29 WG working document on data protection issues relating to IPR

ETNO presents its views on the Art. 29 working document taking account of the need for clarification of the application of data protection principles in the field of DRM and enforcement of copyright.

Regarding DRM, ETNO highlights the fact that the use of new technologies to protect copyrighted works should not be detrimental to the fundamental right of protection of personal data. ETNO considers that workplace DRM systems may be operated legitimately within the context of the criteria outlined in Art. 29 WG’s Opinion 8/2001. Regarding enforcement of copyright legislation, ETNO emphasises the importance of guaranteeing fundamental data protection rights in the context of Internet communications. The EU has already established a balanced framework defining the liability of intermediaries for illegal on-line content. "Backdoor" modification of this framework through changes to rules on data protection and data retention should be avoided.