European Union Passes Sweeping Internet Monitoring Law

LONDON — Big Brother just got stronger in Europe.

A new directive handed down by the European Union will require all ISPs to store all Internet traffic information for one year, while also giving law enforcement authorities the right to access that information to fight terrorism.

What does "Internet traffic information" mean in this case? All of it — everything from email, traffic patterns and even phone calls made over VOIP services.

According to online reports, the British government played a major role in passing the legislation, which will require the participation of all ISPs, not just the largest companies as was thought at one point.

Naturally, privacy advocates oppose the measure.

"I don't think people are aware of the implications of this move," said Simon Davies, director of Privacy International. "It means that everything we do online or on the phone will be known to the authorities. They are using this to produce probably the world's most comprehensive surveillance system.

He continued, "This is a disgraceful example of the covert influence that Brussels has across our freedoms and liberties. The entire episode has been marked by a litany of secret dealings, vicious political games and a complete absence of transparency."

But the measure's own massive scope might end up being its undoing. In order to store all Internet traffic information for a year, the European governments would need anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 terabytes of storage space.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AEBN Announces Peter Green as Top Male Boy/Girl Performer for Summer 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 male Boy/Girl performers for summer 2025, with Peter Green landing atop the leaderboard.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Jerkmate Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

Jerkmate has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Launches Age Verification Toolkit for Adult Websites

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has launched a comprehensive toolkit to help adult websites navigate age verification laws.

Romero Mr. Alien to Present XBIZ Talk at Amsterdam Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that noted producer/director Romero Mr. Alien, the impresario of the XMAs award-winning studio Hentaied, will present an exclusive talk at next month’s Amsterdam conference.

New Fansly Analytics Platform 'SlyKiwi' Launches

SlyKiwi, a new analytics platform exclusively designed for Fansly content, has officially launched.

FPNCash Appoints Kimi Evans Head of Business Development

FPNCash has appointed Kimi Evans as its new head of business development.

Show More