January

Ireland is set to become a key country in Europe in protecting the data of its citizens.

Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality noted that the Irish Data Protection Authority will rigorously ensure that EU privacy directives will be enforced within the country.

The regulations will mean that companies who are accessing customer's data will be required to receive express permission to use that data for other purposes, in addition to informing consumers about their individual rights via awareness campaigns.

Beginning February 1, 2017, employers in Luxembourg can request an applicant's criminal record certificate during the recruitment process or the course of an employment relationship.
 
Under new legislation, an individual must be informed of the request in writing, and the criminal record certificate cannot be kept for more than one month after an employment contract is signed. If the person is not hired, it must be destroyed immediately.
 
In addition, during the course of an employment relationship, employers can request Section 3 of an employee's criminal record certificate if the employee is transferred to a different position and the specific job requirements require a criminal record check.

It is now possible for Portuguese citizens to consult and request their criminal records or clearance via the Internet. Records are now available online through the Online Criminal Register page and also to Portuguese citizens living abroad as long as they have a bank account in Portugal and home-banking.

The document costs five euros and will be made available following payment via an ATM machine.