Privacy and social networks

This article discusses the complex relationship between social networks and the EU Data Protection Directive (95/46/EC). After a concise introduction to the general privacy impact of social networks, it discusses how the Directive applies to users and operators of social networks and social network applications. Particular attention is drawn to the scope of the Directive (including the “household” exception), the obligations imposed on data controllers, the interpretation of the Directive by Working Party 29, as well as the difficulties that are encountered when applying the aging Directive to the technological reality of today’s social networks.