Facebook and Google need to get consent before using private data...

Internet firms will be forced to get the consent of internet users before downloading their personal data under tough new EU guidelines on privacy, it has been revealed.

The draft paper, due to be unveiled today, signals a crackdown on firms like Facebook and Google who are increasingly using private information to sell targeted advertising to users.

The way in which the personal data of individuals is used has come under scrutiny in the wake of the recent scandal involving Google in which householders’ personal emails and passwords were grabbed by its StreetView cars. More...

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