Why was the EU Data Protection Directive established in 1995?

The establishment of the EU Data Protection Directive in 1995 was primarily focused on the protection of individual privacy and the regulation of the use of personal data. This legislative framework was designed to ensure that individuals' personal data would be handled with respect and dignity, reflecting the growing concerns surrounding personal privacy amidst advancements in technology and data processing at that time.

The directive set forth principles regarding the collection, storage, processing, and transfer of personal data. It mandated that organizations must have a legal basis for processing personal data, required them to implement measures to ensure data security, and granted individuals rights such as access to their data and the ability to correct inaccuracies. By focusing on privacy and personal data use, the directive aimed to provide a consistent level of protection across EU member states, thereby strengthening individuals' right to privacy.

In contrast, while other options might address relevant topics, they miss the primary goal of the directive. The regulation of internet advertising or promoting open data sharing falls outside the main scope of the directive, which is fundamentally about safeguarding personal data and ensuring individuals can control their personal information. Likewise, the enhancement of EU-wide legislative power was more a byproduct of creating uniformity rather than the primary intention behind the directive.