Certain metadata processed by service providers are needed to effectively fight crime, according to the European Commission. Therefore, and due to a lack of a common legal framework across EU member states, the EU intends to introduce new rules requiring service providers to retain non-content metadata, e.g., IP addresses, device location, subscriber data, for a certain amount of time.

It is supposed to affect all infrastructure providers such as telecommunication services and internet service providers, messaging and social media platforms, and others.