Processing of personnal data and protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector, ISDN

In adopting the report by Mr Manuel MEDINA ORTEGA (PSE, E), the European Parliament has approved the joint draft of the Conciliation Committee on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector. The agreement covers telephone tapping and makes provision for guaranteeing the confidentiality of communications whilst ensuring that public order and national security are not jeopardized. It has also been agreed that operators should not charge subscribers for omitting them from the directory, with the exception of administrative costs actually incurred. Finally, there is agreement on the degree of protection that must be offered to all subscribers with regard to unsolicited calls such as those made for the purpose of direct marketing. �