Vodafone Germany sued for storing customer's mobile traffic data

This really shows the potential of stored telecom data, Tangens said. She added that the Working Group is also trying to undo the European Data Retention Directive itself, which the German parliament in April 2011 said might itself be unconstitutional. The Data Detention Directive requires European communications service providers to retain data for up to two years. The directive applies to data about phone calls and e-mail or text messages, but not their contents.

In May, European authorities took Germany to court for failing to implement the E.U. Data Retention Directive.

"We want to kick away the Data Retention Directive in Europe," said Tangens, adding that they were planning action in Brussels in September to raise awareness about the issue, and if necessary, start a citizens initiative to place the issue on the European Commission's agenda.

Loek covers all things tech for the IDG News Service. Follow him on TwitterTwitter at @loekessers or email tips and comments to loek_essers@idg.com Alles zu Twitter auf CIO.de