The DPOInsider covers the latest news and developments in data compliance and privacy. The DPO's favourite weekly read ☕️
EU Grants Europol Supervised Data Processing Powers
The European parliament has given Europol (the body responsible for assisting member states’ police investigations) greater powers to “pursue research and innovation projects, handle massive datasets, and assist national agencies in security-related screenings.”
This means that when dealing with terrorist content or child sex abuse content, Europol will be able to receive data from private companies, for example, communication companies.
While nobody can, should, or will argue we should not use all our powers to stop child abuse or terrorism, it could be a slippery slope to the bottom in terms of protecting consumer data.
Hopefully, in this case, the regulator will prove capable and focused.
Google Agrees To ‘Reject All’
After French regulators slapped Google with a €150 million fine for deploying confusing language in its cookie banners, the tech giant has now introduced options to reject all on its cookies banners in some EU member states.
Some have speculated that this is a good thing for the industry, as when behemoths such as Google set an example, others will follow.
The idea that consumers should be able to reject all non-essential cookies easily is growing in popularity. With Google coming under fire in previous years for its cookie banners, it’s positive to see them taking a step in the right direction.
However, cookie banners might still need further revisions to provide a genuinely privacy-friendly browsing experience, but this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Interesting reads:
The US announces the establishment of a global forum for the transfer of data across borders.
6 in 10 Asia-Pacific firms saw 1 data breach in the last 12 months, says a new report. More on data breaches next week.