The retention of electronic communication traffic data

Directive 2006/24/EC on electronic communication data retention is not just another Directive, but represents a radical shift in the philosophy that has thus far existed in relation to data protection. It entails turning citizens into suspects and entering a new framework that involves large-scale record keeping. This Directive implies contravening the basic principles behind data protection, as well as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. However, we need not limit ourselves to pointing out the difficulties. There are ways in which we can face up to this new regulation. Firstly, by adopting international texts that regulate fundamental rights on the Internet. (Even though the road towards a global international document may be long, it must not be abandoned). Secondly, by turning to European judicial proceedings in order to ensure that all regulations laid down are suitably adapted to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.