What does the EU Data Protection Directive primarily aim to protect?

The primary aim of the EU Data Protection Directive is to protect individuals' privacy and the use of their personal data. This directive establishes a comprehensive framework for data protection within the European Union, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individuals' personal information and ensuring that they have control over how their data is collected, processed, and used by organizations.

The directive emphasizes principles such as transparency, data minimization, and the right of individuals to access their personal data. By focusing on individuals' rights and privacy, the directive aligns with broader human rights principles and reflects the cultural and ethical importance placed on privacy within the EU. This foundational goal has also paved the way for more stringent regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which expands upon the principles established in the directive.