EPRIVACY-DIRECTIVE

ePrivacy Directive compliance regulation modern detailed.

Definition

ePrivacy Directive (EU Directive 2002/58/EC, amended 2009/136/EC, also known as 'Cookie Directive' or 'ePrivacy Directive') is the EU directive governing electronic communications confidentiality + personal data protection electronic communications sector + cookies consent + direct marketing electronic communications + traffic + location data + caller ID + unsolicited communications opt-in/opt-out + spam SMS/email, will be replaced by future ePrivacy Regulation (ePR, in negotiation 2017-2024+ blocked progressively, latest Council version 2024) modernising framework GDPR-aligned regulation directly applicable EU. Technical detail + application scope + compliance obligations + non-compliance sanctions + reporting processes + impact on in-scope companies + alignment with adjacent national + international regulations + governance + supervisory authorities + implementation timeline + transitions + case law + industry best practices documentation adoption.

Origin

EU Directive 2002/58/EC ePrivacy Directive published 2002 ; amended 2009/136/EC (Cookie Directive) ; ePrivacy Regulation ePR negotiation 2017-2024+ blocked.

Example in context

European website operator deploys cookie consent banner per ePrivacy Directive Article 5(3) requirements: (1) Banner asks user explicit opt-in consent for non-essential cookies (marketing + analytics) before activating, (2) Pre-ticked checkboxes prohibited (CJEU Planet49 2019 ruling), (3) Equally easy to refuse as accept (EDPB guidelines), (4) Consent records logged + auditable + revocable user-friendly, (5) Strictly necessary cookies (session + security + load-balancing) exempted from consent requirement.

Related terms

• GDPR v3 — complementary regulation.