Societies constantly change and so do individual and societal needs. Legal frameworks and basic rights guide and limit societal behaviour and at the same time adjust themselves in response to new and shifting needs. In times of permanent and rapid change we must ask whether the legal framework still meets societal needs and society's value basis. The widespread use of information and communication technologies is one of the most important technological innovations influencing societies all over the world. Digitalisation, miniaturisation and networking are keywords of this development. Internet, e-commerce, mobile communication, smart card applications, biometrics, smart homes, and ubiquitous computing are generating huge amounts of data. The more activities in daily life are supported by electronic means the more data traces we leave behind. Virtual pictures of real persons may gain a life of themselves. Misuse of personal data, widespread surveillance and commercial interests increasingly give rise to new challenges for privacy.