Big tech companies like Google, Facebook and Yahoocould face serious fines if they violate proposed new data protection laws in the European Union.
According to the new legislation, companies that violate the regulations risk facing fines of up to 100 million euros , or 5% of their annual turnover.
Yesterday, members of the European Parliament voted in favor of tougher legislation that would put power back in the hands of the user at the expense of companies. If adopted, the new legislation would bethe first time it has changed since 1995.
According to this, companies will be required to offer the right to delete a user's data from their electronic files, as well as to transfer the request to third-party companies to which they have shared their users' data.
Other measures include proposals on consent for data use and new control mechanisms on data transfers to third countries, in response to recent events and revelations about the mass surveillance of citizens by the NSA.
The EU aims to reach an agreement on the proposed legislative reforms before the 2014 European elections.
Source: e-pcmag.gr
