The purpose of the ePrivacy directive is to ensure confidentiality and privacy in electronic communication. It complements the GDPR and is a form of specialisation, especially regarding marketing via e-mail and online communication.

The directive focuses on Internet Service Providers and cell carriers. It requires them to safeguard the security of their services and to prohibit unauthorised access.

The full name of the directive is Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications).