Facebook case may force European firms to change data storage practices
by Owen Bowcott Legal affairs correspondent from Technology | The Guardian on (#NACW)
Changes may be required after European court advocate general accuses US intelligence services of 'mass, indiscriminate surveillance'
European companies may have to review their widespread practice of storing digital data with US internet companies after a court accused America's intelligence services of conducting "mass, indiscriminate surveillance".
The influential opinion by the European court of justice's advocate general, Yves Bot, yet to be confirmed by the Luxembourg court as final, is a significant development in the battle over online privacy. The court normally follows the advocate general's opinion; ECJ judgments are binding on EU countries.
