We are Stibbe E-Commerce specialists

Masterclass - The TMT/IP (Technology,  Media and Telecommunications / Intellectual Property) team at Stibbe Amsterdam will host a Masterclass about recent developments and regulations in advertising law. During the Masterclass, TMT Lawyer Janna van Olst will discuss important regulations and the most leading cases from the 12 months.

Seminar - This conference will focus on two sets of challenges for law enforcement and criminal justice that have developed in the collection and sharing of computer based evidence and en-forcement.  

Short Reads - The Belgian Privacy Commission has issued some first guidance on the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) which will become effective as from 25 May 2018.

Articles - On 1 September 2016, the Belgian legislator adopted the Act amending Article 127 of the Act of 13 June 2005 regarding electronic communications and Article 16/2 of the Act of 30 November 1998 regarding the intelligence and security services (the “Act”). Afterwards on 27 November 2016, the Belgian government also adopted the Royal Decree setting forth the conditions for the identification of users of prepaid calling cards (the “Royal Decree”).

Speaking slot - On 1 June, Wim Panis and Giovanni Smet speak at the “Themadag Internationale Fiscaliteit”, organised by M&D Seminars. The seminar particularly focuses on measures to prevent tax avoidance (ATAD, BEPS,…).

Short Reads - On 22 July 2015, the Dutch Data Protection Authority ("DPA") imposed an order on WhatsApp Inc., backed by a penalty for non-compliance. The DPA concluded that WhatsApp must appoint a representative in the Netherlands within three months, subject to a penalty of €10,000 per day with a maximum of €1,000,000.

Articles - In a judgment of 27 October 2016, the Correctional Court of Mechelen condemned Skype Communications SARL, a Luxembourg-based entity, for refusing to set up a wiretap that was ordered by the investigating magistrate (“Onderzoeksrechter”/”juge d’instruction”) in Mechelen. The wiretap was ordered as part of an investigation into a Skype user.

Short Reads - On 19 December 2016, the Belgian Act on “BE-Alert” or “Alert-SMS” was published in the Belgian Official Gazette (Act of 7 December 2016 inserting an Article 106/1 in the Act of 13 June 2005 on electronic communications). This Act describes the legal framework of the system for mass SMS-notifications to the general population, known as “Alert-SMS”, in the event of imminent danger or major disaster, for example, in the event of terrorist attacks.