European Parliament votes for e-Privacy regulation with cookie wall ban

The European Parliament has approved the e-Privacy Regulation. This means that the new rules, which include banning cookie walls and imposing stricter rules on WhatsApp, have come closer. However, with the approval, the regulations are not yet final.

The rules ensure that the privacy rules that apply to providers will also apply to providers of electronic communication services. The regulations refer to parties such as WhatsApp and Skype. For example, these providers must be able to guarantee the confidentiality of communication, so that the interception or tapping of data can only take place with the consent of the user.

Furthermore, regulations should end cookie walls by using browser settings, which allow users to indicate whether they allow tracking. Tracking via WiFi should also be restricted.

D66, a strong supporter of the regulations, is pleased with the approval of parliament. “The heavy lobbying of part of the marketing industry that stubbornly clings to an outdated business model has not worked. From now on, the user decides,” said MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld.

The European Parliament voted in favor of the regulation on Thursday, giving it a mandate to conduct negotiations. The position was determined last week by Parliament’s LIBE committee. The Council of Ministers, with ministers from all member states, still has to approve the legislation. It may happen that the Council waters down the rules or proposes other changes.