Posted: 09th Jun, 2005 By: MarkJ
The European Parliament has voted to scrap the proposals for a controversial data retention law, yet there is uncertainty as to whether it's still alive or not:
However, although Parliament's vote has been hailed a victory by organisation representing ISPs, the reality is that the body has no power over the future of the proposal. This is because it is a Pillar 3 proposal, that is, it was set in motion by member states, not the European Commission.
"The Parliament was just being "consulted" on the proposal under the Consultation Procedure and consequently has no power," explains Joe McNamee, EU policy director at the Political Intelligence consultancy.The reality is that, having failed in such a vote, it is unlikely that the proposals will now go ahead. However readers should note that the EU itself has its own Data Retention proposals, which may not be all that different.
Confused? Welcome to the European Union =). More @
The Register.