Rapid technological developments and globalisation have brought new challenges for the protection of personal data.

23. Recognises that the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies has transformed the environment for the exercise of freedom of expression across the world, generating both significant advantages and serious concerns; welcomes, in this context, the Council’s adoption in May 2014 of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, and condemns all restrictions on digital communication, including those targeting civil society actors; reiterates the need to pay particular attention to the rights of journalists and blogger ...[+++]s;

23. Recognises that the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies has transformed the environment for the exercise of freedom of expression across the world, generating both significant advantages and serious concerns; welcomes, in this context, the Council’s adoption in May 2014 of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, and condemns all restrictions on digital communication, including those targeting civil society actors; reiterates the need to pay particular attention to the rights of journalists and blogger ...[+++]s;

112. Recognises that the rapid evolution of information and communications technologies has transformed the environment for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information across the world, generating both profound advantages and serious concerns; welcomes, in this context, the adoption by the Council in May 2014 of the dedicated EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline;

(2) Acknowledging that high-speed broadband rollout is crucial in order for Member States to meet their commitments regarding the broadband targets set out in Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'The Digital Agenda for Europe- Driving European growth digitally('the Digital Agenda'. This Communication stipulates that by 2020 all Union citizens should have access to internet speeds of above 30 Mbps and 50% or more of Union households should subscribe to internet connections above 100 Mbps. However, given the rapid evolution of techno ...[+++]logies that lead to even faster internet connections, and the increasing demand for e-services, those targets should be considered to be an absolute minimum and the Union should aim for more ambitious broadband targets.

As technology is developing so rapidly it is essential to promote structural collaboration between politicians, business and civil society.