Efamro, together with Esomar, had warned that a draft of the reforms to the data protection framework, leaked in December, could have created “serious problems” for researchers because its requirements for consent were too strict.

The organisation said today it is pleased that its concerns have been addressed in the revised version, which clarifies the definition of consent, and says that parental consent will only be required for processing the data of children under 13.

Efamro director general Jan Oostveen said; “Today’s proposal is only the first step in the legislativee process. Efamro will continue to work with the [European] parliament and the Council to put forward the best case for the research sector, to ensure that research flourishes within Europe, enabling European citizens to continue to play a key role in helping businesses and society better understand consumers and citizens.”