Privacy protection on the internet: The European model

The Internet has a huge impact on all areas of social activity. Everyday life, social interaction and economics are directed to new information and communication technologies. A positive aspect of the new technology is reflected in the fact that it has created a virtual space that has led to the elimination of the various barriers, which has enabled interaction and information exchange across the world. Inclusion in the virtual social network provides connectivity for communicators who are looking for space that allows them freedom of expression and connect them with new ' friends'. Because of the feeling of complete freedom and the absence of censorship on the network communicators leave many personal details and photos, without thinking about the possible abuses of privacy. Recording of the different incidents on the network has resulted in the need to take precaution measures, in order to protect the users and the rule of law, given that freedom on the network is only possible with the existence of an adequate system of safety and security. In this paper we deal with the problem of the protection of personal data of users of virtual social networks against malicious activity and abuse, with special reference to the activities of the European Union in an effort to regulate this area. The European Commission has concentrated on finding the best solutions to protect the user's virtual space for more than two decades, starting from 1995 until a directive on security of networks and information systems, which was adopted in the first half of 2016