Peter Hustinx, a European data protection supervisor has called for a European law that would require digital equipment makers to build in an easy, free way to delete all personal data. He has also called for a ban on the sale of second-hand electronic goods that have not been properly wiped.

The recommendations are contained in an opinion paper he has published on planned changes to EU waste laws aimed at forcing producers to take more responsibility for the disposal and recycling of electronic goods. The European Commission (EC) has announced it will revise the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive to solve technical, administrative and legal problems in the law.