Europe Privacy Law Would Curb Online Data Use

Europe is considering a broad new law on online data privacy. The proposed law would force Internet companies like Amazon.com, Google and Facebook to obtain explicit consent from consumers about the use of their personal data, delete that data forever at the consumer’s request and face fines for failing to comply, reports The New York Times. The European Union data protection program would regulate all companies doing business online in the EU's 27 member states, not just those based there. It would bascially pull the rug out from under Internet companies' ability to use personal data, the key to their online advertising profits. For details, see http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/technology/europe-weighs-a-tough-law-on-online-privacy-and-user-data.html