Deadline nears for .Net privacy ruling

European Union (EU) legislators are expected to meet on 1 July to decide whether or not Microsoft's .Net Passport breaches European privacy laws.

The EU has confirmed it will be looking specifically at charges made by a Danish MEP back in May in a letter regarding Passport's use of customer's personal data.

The Passport authentication technology is a key part of the .Net offering.

The letter claimed it was a matter of priority that the EU looked into the issue. Allegations against Microsoft include the claim that Passport collects personal data while customers carry out transactions.

EU data privacy laws state that personal details can only be used by a firm or passed on with prior consent of the individual.

Microsoft has denied it is under investigation for breaching EU privacy laws despite claims by European Commission officials that it was examining allegations.

Although no formal investigation has been sanction at the moment, this could change after the 1 July meeting.

Microsoft said it was in continued dialogue with the EU over this issue.

For related news, see
Microsoft caught up in European privacy investigation
http://www.silicon.com/a53593
Microsoft pledges Passport openness
http://www.silicon.com/a53459
Microsoft hits out at Passport privacy slur
http://www.silicon.com/a53399
Bunch of Fives: 5 Microsoft Passport stories you'll want to read
http://www.silicon.com/a53511

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