In a non-binding opinion to be published by the EU Article 29 Working Party, a recommendation on online location-based privacy will likely affect how providers of smartphone technology do business in Europe. The report to be released by the advisory board will state that any geo-based information collected by phone and Internet companies on customer locations must be treated like all other forms of personally identifiable information.
Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for justice, has already promised to expand the scope of data protection laws, especially has it relates to: localization data services; online behavioral advertising; and tracking technology. This will continue to ignite the battle over what constitutes “consent” between users and providers doing business in EU member states.