Brussels, 03/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission decided to examine the increased use of Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) in an effort to increase the protection of EU citizens' private lives. It has, in effect, adopted a communication supporting development of Privacy Enhancing Technologies. Commissioner Franco Frattini indicated in a press release that the goal is “to ensure that breaches of the data protection rules and violations of individuals' rights are not only something forbidden and subject to sanctions under the existing legal provisions, but also technically more difficult”. What technology is affected? For example, “automatic anonymisation” - time limit on keeping data; encryption tools to prevent hacking; and cookie-cutters blocking cookies. To pursue the objective of enhancing the level of privacy and data protection in the Community, the Commission intends to conduct the following activities: identify the need and technological requirements of PETs; promote use of PETs by industry and the public authorities; standardise and coordinate national technical rules on security measures for data processing; and facilitate consumers' informed choice through privacy seals. This communication follows the report published in 2003 on implementation of the direction on data protection. (bc)