ePrivacy Directive for Other Industries
Industry-specific guidance on ePrivacy Directive compliance for other industries organisations. Understand the requirements, risk level, and key obligations that apply to your sector.
Compliance Risk Level
This industry faces baseline regulatory obligations under general data protection rules.
About ePrivacy Directive
The EU directive governing privacy in electronic communications, covering cookies, direct marketing, traffic data, and the confidentiality of communications — often called the "Cookie Law".
ePrivacy Directive Impact on Other Industries
Organisations in sectors not specifically targeted by NIS2, DORA, or the AI Act's high-risk categories still face substantial compliance obligations under the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive. Professional services firms, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, media, non-profits, and other industries must protect personal data, implement proper consent mechanisms, respond to data subject rights requests, and report breaches. While the regulatory burden is lighter than for highly-regulated sectors, GDPR fines can still be significant — up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover. Any organisation with a website must comply with cookie consent requirements under ePrivacy.
Key ePrivacy Directive Requirements for Other Industries
Key ePrivacy Directive Articles for Other Industries
Confidentiality of communications
Establishes the fundamental right to confidentiality of electronic communications, prohibiting interception and surveillance. Also contains the cookie consent requirement (paragraph 3).
Cookie consent requirement
Requires prior informed consent for storing information (cookies, pixels, fingerprinting) on user devices. Exempts cookies strictly necessary for requested services and transmission.
Traffic data
Requires erasure or anonymisation of traffic data when no longer needed for communication transmission or billing. Further processing requires user consent.
Location data other than traffic data
Location data may only be processed with consent or after anonymisation. Users must be informed of data types, purposes, duration, and whether data is shared with third parties.
Unsolicited communications (spam)
Requires opt-in consent for electronic direct marketing. Permits soft opt-in for existing customers receiving marketing about similar products, with easy opt-out in every message.
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Start Free AssessmentDisclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific compliance guidance, consult a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction.