The European Community's Directive on Data Protection strictly limits how database information is used and who has access to it. Some of the restrictions include registering all databases containing personal information with the countries in which they are operating, collecting data only with the consent of the subjects, and telling subjects of the database the intended and actual use of the databases.

What effect might these restrictions have on global companies?

In your opinion, should these types of restrictions be made into law? Why or why not?

Should the United States bring its laws into agreement with the EU directive?