Consumer bodies advocate stringent regulation. Regulations vary greatly across European Borders. This means that companies may move to less regulated EU countries to avoid taxation, for example. Thus, there must be some consistency between EU member nations. National and cultural differences may prevent EU wide legislation.
Laws can have different meanings in different countries.
Legal protection of private internal corporate information. Legal framework to protect intellectual property rights. Access to individuals' details can be used for direct marketing enhancing supplier business. The firewalls, for protection of data while on-line. The RIP Bill, which allows police access to data and places the burden of proving innocence on the accused.